HC Deb 11 April 1946 vol 421 cc334-5W
Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will inform the House of the arrangements in connection with the Victory Parade and the route which will be taken.

Mr. Ede:

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave the general composition of the Victory Parade in the statement which he made in this House on 18th February last, and information as to the routes for His Majesty's procession and for the marching and mechanised columns was issued to the Press on 25th March. Further particulars will be made public as the details of the plans for the Parade and other parts of the Victory Celebrations are developed.

Colonel Ropner

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements will be made for Members of Parliament to witness the peace celebration parade and fireworks display on 8th June.

The Prime Minister:

Some accommodation in the small enclosures on either side of the saluting base will be reserved for a number of Members of both Houses of Parliament under arrangements which my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, is discussing with the authorities of both Houses. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the authorities of both Houses are considering how the facilities afforded by the Palace of Westminster can best be made available for the use of Members of both Houses.

Mr. Gammons

asked the Minister of Food if he will reconsider the decision to grant extra rations to the organisers of Victory Day parties in view of the growing seriousness of the world food position and the unfortunate psychological effect such action will have on countries where the food position is even more critical than our own.

Sir B. Smith:

No, Sir. As I have already announced world shortages make it impossible to provide normal facilities for liquid and solid refreshment. It is however considered that on such a unique occasion some small provision for properly organised parties is justified. Small quantities of tea, milk, sugar, preserves and margarine only are being allowed and the total quantities involved will not be appreciable.