HC Deb 31 October 2001 vol 373 cc759-60W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations she has received about plans for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [9973]

Mr. Caborn

A number of representations have been received in support of widening the distribution of the Golden Jubilee commemorative medal to include other groups, particularly the police.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans her Department has made for the celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [9972]

Mr. Caborn

I refer the hon. Member to the announcements made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23 November 2000, and 22 June 2001. Also relevant is the joint Home Office and Ministry of Defence press notice of 15 February 2001, in which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the Golden Jubilee commemorative medal.

After taking on responsibility for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, I announced on 3 August 2001 details of the extended bank holiday 'Jubilee Weekend' over the period 1–4 June 2002. A copy of the press notice is in the Library of the House. The events include:

Saturday 1 June Classical concert in Buckingham Palace Gardens.

Sunday 2 June Jubilee church services and bell-ringing across the UK.

Monday 3 June Pop concert in Buckingham Palace Gardens followed by beacon-lighting and firework display.

Tuesday 4 June Ceremonial procession to St. Paul's and the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's (morning). Lord Mayor of London hosts lunch at the Guildhall. Golden Jubilee carnival pageant in the Mall (afternoon).

John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to allow school children free tickets to the Commonwealth games to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [9998]

Mr. Caborn

The Commonwealth games are a commercial event, and the organisers have an imperative to sell all the available tickets. However, tickets for the games have been set at a level to ensure that people can afford them. Ticket prices start at £5 and over half of all tickets will be priced at £10 or less. Five events, the marathon, triathlon, walking, and mountain and road cycling will also be free.

Local school children will be taking part in the opening and closing ceremonies. Alongside the Commonwealth games the organisers, Manchester 2002 Ltd., are also organising the Sprit of Friendship Festival and Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay. These will offer a range of opportunities for school children to participate in the broader games programme and celebrate the Golden Jubilee.