HC Deb 08 February 1955 vol 536 c1728
43. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now report upon his investigations into the possibility of increasing the accommodation for spectators at the ceremony of Trooping the Colour.

Mr. Head

I think some small increase may be possible.

Major Anstruther-Gray

In view of the fact that this parade is one of the finest spectacles in London, could not my right hon. Friend endeavour to increase the accommodation available to spectators, even to the extent of reducing by a yard or two the space available for the parade itself?

Mr. Head

The question is hedged around with difficulties, mostly in the shape of windows. If we increased the number of seats the stands would be higher, and it is possible that people in windows which have traditionally been used for watching this parade would be unable to see. We are going into the matter, but to curtail in any way the size of the parade ground or to block out windows which have been traditionally used would be wrong.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Could not my right hon. Friend make full use of windows available, which are not now used to capacity by any means?

Mr. Head

If my hon. Friend will tell me of some half-empty windows, I will look into the matter.