HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc286-7
The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

With permission, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement.

As the House will know, a number of proposals have been made in the months since his death for permanent memorials to the late Member for Woodford, the right hon. Sir Winston Spencer Churchill.

I am now able to inform the House that there have been consultations with the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, and with the right hon. Gentlemen who lead the parties in Parliament, about the provision of a suitable memorial in Westminster Abbey. After ascertaining the wishes of Her Majesty the Queen, and with the full approval of Lady Spencer-Churchill, it has been arranged that a memorial stone should be placed in Westminster Abbey, immediately to the west of the tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Her Majesty has graciously consented to unveil this stone on the occasion of the Battle of Britain Service which is to take place in the Abbey on 19th September, 1965.

I am sure that the House will agree that a memorial in the ancient Abbey of Westminster, associated with the two world wars in which he played so considerable a part, will be a fitting and worthy tribute to the memory of Sir Winston Churchill.

But, in addition to being a great national leader, the late Sir Winston Churchill holds a very special place in the history and feelings of Parliament. This House wishes, I know, that suitable arrangements be made to perpetuate his memory within the Palace of Westminster.

Accordingly, the House in Committee will shortly be invited to agree to an Address to Her Majesty to give directions for a tribute at public expense. And, in accordance with precedents, a Committee, including Members of all parties, will be appointed to advise on the form this tribute should take.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

May I respond at once to what the Prime Minister has said by saying that we on this side of the House agree with the recommendation that Sir Winston Churchill, as a great national figure, should be commemorated in this way in Westminster Abbey and also as a great Parliamentarian in the precincts of Parliament?

Mr. J. Grimond

On behalf of my hon. Friends, I welcome the statement which has been made by the Prime Minister.