§ 21. Mr. Lewisasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for an assurance that, subject to the necessity of maintaining the essential services, all officers and other ranks in the Royal Air Force will be allowed leave to enable these Service men and women to celebrate the Coronation of Her Majesty during Coronation week.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)All officers and men not required for essential duties on Coronation Day will be allowed leave. Those remaining on station duty will take part in a short ceremonial parade early in the morning to enable them to pay their respects to Her Majesty. So far as possible the remainder of the day will be regarded as a holiday. Personnel on full duty, such as those on parade in London or in local civic observances, will be compensated by a day's leave on a subsequent day.
§ Mr. LewisDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that, with the similar statement made by the Secretary of State for War yesterday, this statement will be welcomed especially by the troops concerned? Can I ask him whether or not he will consider favourably granting to them a leave warrant so that they can go home, if they desire, to celebrate the Coronation?