§ 11. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to minimise traffic congestion when Trooping the Colour takes place on Thursday, 12th July next.
§ Mr. RentonIt is too early yet for the Commissioner of Police to settle the precise arrangements to be made to deal with traffic on this occasion. The problem of traffic congestion during rehearsals has been considered, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, and it has been decided, amongst other things, that rehearsals should in future be held on Saturdays.
§ Mr. LiptonWill the Under-Secretary ask the Home Secretary to use his influence with the authorities concerned to have the ceremony itself on a Saturday in July? Would that not be the best way of reducing traffic congestion, to the benefit of everyone concerned?
§ Mr. RentonNo, Sir; there is no intention of holding the ceremony itself on a Saturday. This is an important national occasion and the maintenance of the flow of traffic, although important, is not the only consideration.