Battle of Trafalgar

HC Deb 18 December 2003 vol 415 cc1067-8W

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. [143366]

Mr. Caplin

While no final decisions have yet been made, it is anticipated that there will be a series of national and international events 'the Trafalgar Festival' co-ordinated by the Official Nelson Commemoration Committee which will include an International Fleet Review in the Solent.

Further announcements will be made to the House in due course.

Lady Hermon

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding has been allocated by his Department for celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 2005; what form he expects the celebrations to take; which countries have been invited to take part; and if he will make a statement. [143567]

Mr. Caplin

Funding to mark the Bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 2005 is still under discussion and no final decisions have been made.