§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whe- 187 ther it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to place Marine bands on the same footing as musicians of the Line with regard to boy's service and pension on discharge on completing twenty-one years' service?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANSir, in view of the difference which exists between the Regulations for entry in the Royal Marines and the Army respectively, and also of the different character of the service on which the two forces are employed, it is not recognized as desirable to assimilate in all respects their pay and allowances. In the instance referred to by the hon. Member, the Marine bandsmen have the advantage of constant homo service at the same stations—an advantage not enjoyed by the bandsmen in the Navy, nor, except in a few exceptional cases, by those in the Army. There is, therefore, no intention to make the alteration suggested.