HC Deb 16 February 1937 vol 320 cc979-80
21. Sir W. Davison

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment caused to London Territorial units at the comparatively small numbers which are to be employed in lining the streets of their own territorial city at the Coronation; and whether, in view of the responsibilities recently placed on London Territorials in connection with the defence of London from air attack, he will consider the possibility of doubling the line on certain parts of the route overlooked by stands, and therefore not interfering with the view of pedestrians, to enable a larger number of London Territorials to be employed and give an impetus to recruiting in the London area?

22. Mr. Croom-Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before arriving at the decision that all Territorial Army units shall be equally represented at the Coronation ceremony, he took into consideration the fact that members of provincial units who are not selected to attend the national ceremony in London will be able to participate in local celebrations, whereas those in the London area will have no opportunities of this nature; and whether, with a view to allaying the disappointment felt generally by members of London units, he will arrange to increase their representation on the occasion of the Coronation procession?

Mr. Cooper

All factors have been duly considered, including the treatment given to London Territorial Army units on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations and of the Royal Funeral, and I see no reason for departing from the decision already taken that London and provincial troops shall be equally represented. As regards the absence of local celebrations which members of London units can attend, it has now been decided that on the occasion of the Royal visit to Guildhall the streets shall be lined entirely by London Territorials, and in view of this my hon. Friends will no doubt agree that the London units will have no cause for complaint or disappointment.

Lieut.-Colonel Moore

Does the word "provincial" include Scotland?

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