HC Deb 18 March 1952 vol 497 cc194-5W
80. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for War why the band of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment was not allowed to take part in the ceremony in the city of Lincoln of proclaiming the accession of Her Majesty.

Mr. Head

There is no question of this band not having been allowed to take part in the ceremony at Lincoln. Arrangements were originally made for the band to attend a similar ceremony at Nottingham on the day before that at Lincoln. In the event, both ceremonies were postponed and took place on 8th February at 2 p.m. at Nottingham and 2.30 p.m. at Lincoln. I understand that the authorities of the city of Lincoln, when they finally decided on the time of their ceremony, were aware that the band could not then be available. I regret what happened, but I know that the local military authorities did what they could to avoid it.