§ 46. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dislocation of traffic and consequent financial loss caused by having State ceremonials, such as the recent Proclamation, on a weekday which is not a public holiday; and whether he will consider having any such ceremonials in future at a suitable hour on Sunday, which would obviate this disadvantage and enable many thousands of the public to participate in the ceremony who are now unable to do so?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can assure my hon. Friend that in fixing the date of State ceremonies all relevant considerations, including the point to which he refers, are carefully borne in mind.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes my right hon. Friend consider that there would be any disadvantage in the proposal stated in the question, which would enable a large number of people who are now prevented from doing so to participate in such an interesting ceremony as the Proclamation, and would also save a great deal of possible inconvenience due to the obstruction of traffic?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA Proclamation is, fortunately, a very rare event, and I do not know whether it would be worth while laying down any fresh regulations. Perhaps if my hon. Friend has any other form of ceremonial in mind he will communicate with me. Formerly, I believe, it was frequently done on Sunday, and I do not know that there should be any prejudice against that, but perhaps my hon. Friend will, as I say, let me know what kind of ceremonial he has in mind.