§ 46. Mr. Marloweasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Coronation date is one which comes shortly after mayor-making day throughout England and Wales; that in these circumstances the mayors concerned with the preparations will quit office just before the event and their successors will be newly in office; and whether he will introduce legislation to extend the current mayoral year by a fortnight or so to cover the Coronation date.
§ The Prime MinisterNo such legislation is proposed. One of the reasons for selecting 2nd June as the date of the Coronation was to ensure that it did not clash with the local elections due in the spring of 1953.
§ Mr. MarloweWhile understanding the choice of date, does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many preparations will have to be made by the holders of these offices; that those who have made the preparations will go out of office just as they eventuate, and the result will be that the person who has to handle the job at the time will be a complete newcomer to the post?
§ The Prime MinisterThere may be difficulties either way, but I am sure it is much better that the elections should be over before the Coronation begins.
§ Mr. LindgrenMay I ask whether the motive behind the Question is because the hon. and learned Gentleman is afraid there will be fewer Tory mayors?