§ Mr. Huntasked the Minister of State for Defence for what reason, and on whose authority, the decision was taken to curtail the frequency of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace; why other regiments were not invited to participate in the ceremony in order to maintain the traditional daily change; and when the normal arrangements are likely to be reinstated.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithIt became necessary to curtail the frequency of the Changing of the Guard ceremony when a battalion of the Household Division was withdrawn from London District for duties in Northern Ireland. This was done on the authority of the Major General Commanding London District, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence. No other regiments with the necessary ceremonial training are at present available. I cannot forecast when arrangements will return to normal.
§ Mr. Huntasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will state the last occasion on which there was a departure from the tradition of the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithIn 1956.
§ Mr. Huntasked the Minister of State for Defence how much public notice was given of the intention to curtail the frequency of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace; and what consultations took place with the London Tourist Board before the announcement of this decision.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithA Press release was issued on 27th July as soon as the dispatch of reinforcements to Northern Ireland was announced. There were no prior consultations with the London Tourist Board but it was notified of the position on 27th July.