HC Deb 13 May 1870 vol 201 c630
MR. STACPOOLE

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, If it is true that the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, now quartered at Knightsbridge Barracks, does not allow the band of his Regiment to perform upon the platform erected for that purpose in Hyde Park in the same manner as the bands of the two last other Household Cavalry Regiments?

MR. CARDWELL

I doubt, Sir, whether my hon. Friend has clearly apprehended the bearing of this Question. The Army Estimates furnish the pay of the musicians for military purposes; but it is no part of their military duty to perform upon the stand in Hyde Park. The costly instruments which constitute the band are the property of the officers. I have understood that the officers are extremely courteous in extending to those who have no right to claim it the pleasure which the band affords; but I have not felt at liberty to make any official inquiries respecting the rules by which their courtesies are regulated.