§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for War on what days gun salutes are fired in London; what are the usual number of rounds fired; can he state approximately what is the cost of such salutes; and whether, in the interests of economy, it is possible to restrict the use of such salutes for only very special events?
1901W
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSalutes are fired on the following occasions:
The Anniversary of His Majesty's Birthday (3rd June);
The Anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne (6th May);
The Anniversary of Their Majesties' Coronation (22nd June);
The Anniversary of Queen Mary's Birthday (26th May);
The Anniversary of Queen Alexandra's Birthday (1st December);
The Opening, Proroguing, or Dissolving of Parliament;
Such other special occasions as may be ordered.
The number of rounds fired is 41; and the approximate cost of the blank ammunition is 5s. 3d. per round. As regards the last part of the hon. Member's question, I do not think any further restriction of the occasions on which salutes are fired is called for.