§ 3.30 p.m.
The Lord Privy Seal (Viscount Cranborne)My Lords, with the leave of the House, I should like to make a short statement about the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. A ceremony is to be held in Westminster Hall, when both Houses will attend and Addresses will be presented to Her Majesty the Queen, to which she will reply. The date and time of the event is Friday, 5th May, at noon. It is proposed that a reception be held in the hall after the ceremony.
It is hoped by my noble friend the Lord Chancellor and the Speaker that as many Members of both Houses as possible will participate. It is intended that spouses and other family members will be able to accompany them. Representatives of veterans and other organisations will also be invited.
To help with the planning of this event, a notice will be circulated to all Peers in the next few days asking whether they will be attending and whether they wish to be accompanied by up to two members of their families. If demand for places is high, there may need to be a ballot. I know that all your Lordships will wish to be as helpful as possible and to make the ceremony a memorable one for all who participate.