§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that three airmen in one group of 11 lining Parliament Street on 17th May in connection with the State Visit of the President of Austria fainted within half an hour of taking up their positions; what training in ceremonial drill these airmen received; what time they were roused on 17th May; what meals they ate before parading; and what was their medical grade.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAll of the 400 Royal Air Force personnel from Halton lining the route for this State occasion took part in four rehearsals in addition to the regular daily parades which are part of their normal training. Reveille was at the usual time of 06.30 hours and breakfast at 07.30 hours. Because of the heat, the Royal Air Force party travelled in shirt sleeve order. A packed lunch was taken at 11.00 hours, when the Royal Air Force party had a break of forty minutes before taking their positions on parade. The majority of the R.A.F. party were R.A.F. apprentices and they are all of a high medical category.
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§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Defence why the stretcher-bearers on duty in Parliament Street on 17th May were soldiers when the route was lined by airmen.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Army were responsible for providing first-aid support for all three Services taking part in the route lining.