§ Lord Gridleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements have been made to commemorate the end of the Second World War.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Viscount Whitelaw)It is our intention to hold a national commemoration which will both honour the dead and recall the reconciliation and reconstruction that has been achieved in 40 years of peace with freedom and justice. Her Majesty The Queen has graciously agreed to attend a service in Westminster Abbey on 8th May in commemoration of the end of the Second World War and of the sacrifices made in all the theatres of war. We shall seek the widest participation from this country of those who contributed to the victory. We shall also invite the ambassadors and high commissioners of all countries represented in London. Further details of the arrangements will be announced in due course.
Last year the Government arranged for a party of widows and veterans to visit Normandy. It is also the Government's intention that a party of widows and veterans should be able to make a pilgrimage to the Far East in remembrance of husbands and comrades who died. Dates have yet to be fixed but it is hoped that it can be arranged around Remembrance Day this year. The details will be announced in due course.