THE MARQUESS OF CREWEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Lord President a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether he is to-day able to make any statement regarding Peace celebrations in view of the happy event, the conclusion of peace with our principal enemy?
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (EARL CURZON OF KEDLESTON)My Lords, it has already been announced in the papers that there will be a National Service of Thanksgiving for the conclusion of Peace on Sunday next in London and in different parts of the country. The main official service in London will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral at 11 o'clock in the morning, and will be attended by His Majesty the King. Your Lordships will be invited to attend at St. Paul's Cathedral, and will, I hope, find yourselves in the position to do so. Ladies will be invited with their husbands, and morning dress will be worn.
As regards the larger question of Peace celebrations as a whole, it is in contemplation 2 to hold the national rejoicings on Saturday, July 19, when celebrations will be held in London in which the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, the various subsidiary Services, and the Mercantile Marine will be represented, and in which the American troops who will be passing through London at that tinge will be invited to take part. Detailed announcements will be made at an early date. The day will be one of general rejoicing in London and in every part of the country, and, it is hoped, throughout the Empire. Local bodies and communities will organise their celebrations in their own way.
§ THE DUKE OF RUTLANDMay I ask the noble Earl whether that cancels the announcement made in the papers, apparently officially, some time ago, that the first week in August would be the date upon which the Peace celebrations would be expected to take place?
§ EARL CURZON OF KEDLESTONYes, it does. The announcement which appeared in the papers was not official. It was an anticipation, not perhaps altogether intelligent.