HC Deb 30 June 1953 vol 517 cc201-2
60. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works the cost each year of constructing the temporary stands on the Horse Guards Parade for the ceremony of Trooping the Colour; and whether he will consider the erection of stands of a permanent character, in view of the number of occasions throughout each year when this parade ground is used for the holding of parades or for the marshalling of processions.

The Minister of Works (Sir David Eccles)

The cost of erecting temporary stands is about £3,500. Permanent stands would be ugly, and would take light from many of the windows in adjoining buildings.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I cannot imagine that anything done under the aegis of his Department could be ugly?

Sir D. Eccles

I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for what he says, but I remain of the opinion that stands in the Horse Guards Parade would be exceedingly ugly.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the decision not to erect more stands for this ceremony is not due to the vested interests which those living in rooms with windows overlooking Horse Guards Parade may have?

Sir D. Eccles

I think I can give that assurance. It seems to me that the stands are very satisfactory.