HC Deb 24 February 1953 vol 511 c1889
17. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for War why local authorities are being asked to pay the cost of ammunition for Royal Salutes to be fired by Territorial units at Coronation celebrations.

Mr. Head

Royal Salutes fired from authorised saluting stations are paid for by the Army. Where permission is given for troops to fire guns at the special request of local authorities, the cost, as on previous occasions, is borne by the local authorities.

Mr. Hynd

Fortunately, Coronations do not happen very often, but would it not be an added attraction to the local celebrations and at the same time an encouragement and an incentive to recruiting if local units of the Territorials were allowed to fire salutes at the cost of the War Office on this very special occasion?

Mr. Head

Many salutes have been requested and we have not received complaints about payment. If I were to undertake payment for all salutes throughout the country it would amount to a very considerable sum.

Mr. Alport

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that whoever pays for these salutes, contrary to recent experience, the salutes go off with a bang?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir.