HC Deb 03 June 1872 vol 211 cc1031-2
THE EARL OF YARMOUTH

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Band of Her Majesty's Grenadier Guards have been ordered to proceed to-morrow to Liverpool for the purpose of embarking for the United States on duty; and, if so, whether the order was given by the Secretary of State for War before the sanction of Her Majesty or that of the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief or that of the Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment had been obtained; whether it is true that the Bandmaster has received, or was to receive, a large sum of money, and that every member of the Band was to receive extra payment, and if so, from whom; and, whether it was true that some Civilians had been permitted to wear Her Majesty's uniform and to go with the Band as bandsmen of the regiment?

MR. CARDWELL

It is true, Sir, that, in consequence of a request made through the Foreign Secretary by the Secretary of the United States Legation in London, permission was given to those who are conducting the International Musical Peace Jubilee in Boston to engage the band of the Grenadier Guards to take part in that festival. This Correspondence was held in September last. The arrangements have been carried into effect under the direction of the Adjutant General of the Army. The sanction of Her Majesty was obtained on the submission of His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief before any orders were issued to the band. I believe that the conductors of the festival propose to give extra payment to the bandmaster and the members of the band; but these arrangements are not within my official cognizance. In conclusion, I may say that no permission has been given to any civilians to wear Her Majesty's uniform.