§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the events planned to commemorate the end of the second world war, (b) the total cost to his Department and (c) the charges which will be made to second world war veterans and widows for participating in the events.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Government plan to commemorate the end of the second world war with a programme of events to mark the 50th anniversary of both VE day and VJ day. The former will be commemorated over the 6 to 8 May bank holiday, and the latter over the weekend of 19 and 20 August. The provisional programme of major events will include:
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Dates Events 6–8 May Public event activities in Hyde park. 6 May Reception and banquet at Guildhall, City of London 7 May Service at St. Paul's cathedral. 7 or 8 May Services in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh. 8 May VE night concert in Hyde park. 19 August Open air service in central London. 19 August Tribute and promise parade in central London 19 August Evening firework display along the Thames. 20 August A tribute throughout the nation, including services in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, and culminating with a Beating the Retreat and sunset ceremony in these cities and in London. The cost of organising the commemorative events will fall to a number of Government Departments, as appropriate. The total cost to the Ministry of Defence cannot be projected accurately at present, as the details of plans have yet to be finalised.
It is not envisaged that any charges will be made to veterans for admission to any of the Government-sponsored events.