§ 21. Mr. OrmeTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what programme his Department is arranging to commemorate the anniversary of the D-day landings.
§ Mr. SproatThe Department of National Heritage is arranging a programme of civilian events nationwide and encouraging other events to run alongside those organised by the Ministry of Defence and to complement those arranged by local authorities, tourist boards and others. Details will be announced at a launch in April.
§ Mr. OrmeIs the Minister satisfied that those who participated in D-day—the foot soldiers—will be properly recognised? Many important events are taking place, with visitors from overseas, but the most important people are those who carried out the D-day landings.
§ Mr. SproatYes, I agree 100 per cent. with the right hon. Gentleman. I shall make it my business to make absolutely sure that private soldiers, corporals and others get equal billing with generals, field marshals and presidents.
§ Mr. HawkinsDoes my hon. Friend recognise that there are a number of very active committees, including one in my constituency, whose members are doing a tremendous amount of work in their spare time to prepare for the 50th anniversary of the D-day landings? Will my hon. Friend be able to ensure that there is support for such committees in all parts of the country, including that which is working so successfully in Blackpool?
§ Mr. SproatYes, I gladly pay special tribute to what Blackpool has achieved. It has suggested a tremendous number of entertainments and events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of D-day. I hope that other places around the country will take a lead from that and not think that D-day involves only the south of England, because it involves all the parts of the country from which the soldiers, sailors and airmen departed originally.