HC Deb 21 April 1937 vol 322 cc1761-2W
Mr. Edwards

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the feasibility of securing, with Government financial aid if necessary, a complete colour film of the Coronation procession passing a given point, so as to enable the mass of our people to, share in the pleasure of the few whilst at the same time providing an unique historic record?

The Prime Minister

Facilities have been provided at various positions along the route for cinema companies desiring to make colour films of the Coronation procession. I understand that normally a complete film of the whole procession would be taken, but the cinema interests exhibit such parts of the film or films as they think will be of interest to their clients. Inquiries are being made, however, into the possibility of obtaining a complete film as an official record of the occasion.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as no Africans from the East African colonies are invited to the Coronation, an invitation will be issued to some African now in this country, to be nominated by representative bodies in Africa?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Kabaka of Uganda was invited to the Coronation but was unfortunately unable to accept on medical advice. I do not think that it would be practicable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion, and the number of places allocated in the Abbey to representatives of the Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories are now filled.

Colonel Goodman

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the seats provided for the British Legion to view the Coronation procession are for men only or may be used by men and women; and whether, if they are for men only, he will cause an allocation to be made to the women's section of the Legion, as such body is composed of the widows, wives, and mothers of ex-service men?

Mr. J. R. MacDonald

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Deritend Division of Birmingham (Mr. Smedley Crooke), of which I am sending him a copy.