HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc5-6
7. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of spectators to be accommodated in stands and on their feet, respectively, at the Queen's Birthday Parade at Horse Guards Parade; and whether this will show an increase on past years.

Mr. Head

Five thousand five hundred and eighty-one sitting and 3,720 standing. This is 250 more than in 1954, when the Queen's Birthday Parade was last held. In addition, the St. James's Park side of the Parade will be open to the public as usual.

Major Anstruther-Gray

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he will consider looking further into the possibility of increasing the accommodation even by encroaching a yard or two on the parade ground itself, because it would not materially affect the ceremony?

Mr. Head

I have been into this matter with great care. It is a question of either encroaching on the parade ground or of blocking windows. Secondly, this is a parade for Her Majesty's Birthday carried out by the Brigade of Guards, and I think that we should not encroach on the parade ground. I think we have reached the limit of stand accommodation.

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