London - The BBC yesterday defended its controversial decision not to broadcast a parade marking the Queen Mother's 100th birthday. The decision not to show live pictures of the event had been branded "monstrous" by MPs.
The tribute on July 19th will feature a pageant of 5,000 people and a 1,000-strong military parade. The BBC1 controller, Mr Peter Salmon, said: "No-one should doubt the BBC's abiding respect and affection for the Royal Family and the Queen Mother in particular."