§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what events the Government are planning to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Berlin airlift. [40639]
§ Mr. SpellarI have been asked to reply.
The Berlin Airlift was a remarkable expression of Allied cooperation and it is fitting that our commemoration of this event should also reflect that spirit.
46WThe annual wreath laying ceremony in Berlin is to take place on 12 May 1998, and will be supported by the RAF Western Band. The British Ambassador to Germany will lay a wreath on behalf of the nation.
The Queen's Colour Squadron of the RAF, the RAF Western Band, RAF aircraft and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota will participate in various ceremonies marking the 50th Anniversary of the start of the Airlift. These will include those at the former RAF Airlift base at Gatow, the Tempelhof Airbridge Open Days and the opening celebrations for the Allied Museum Berlin which my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence, has accepted an invitation to attend. The RAF will also be represented at the Berlin Air Show in May which has been dedicated to the Airlift and at a military history symposium in Berlin during July.