§ 46. Wing-Commander Roland Robinsonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the difficulties caused to holiday resorts by the selection of the Saturday before Whit Sunday as the official day for the celebration of victory; that residents in holiday resorts must work at this period to cater for their visitors; and whether he will produce alternative suggestions so that victory celebrations may be shared by all.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I am aware that some holiday resorts feel that the selection of 8th June creates difficulties for them. As the House knows, this day was chosen after a very careful review of the many factors involved and was found, on balance, to be the most suitable day for celebrations by the whole community The celebrations for which the Government are responsible are being confined to London and Edinburgh; elsewhere they are a matter for the dis- 1862 cretion of the local authority concerned. I have no doubt that, where appropriate, the local authority will take into account the difficulties to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but I must make it clear that there can be no question of a day other than 8th June being the public holiday for victory celebrations.
§ 78. Mr. Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to make it possible for visitors to holiday resorts to obtain meals and rationed foods on 8th June, or to warn visitors that most retailers and caterers will be closed on that day.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)I would refer the hon. Member to the de tailed reply which I gave on 13th March on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool (Wing-Commander Robinson). I am sending him a copy. As stated by my right hon. Friend on 27th February, a statement as to the arrangements for Victory Day will be made in due course.