§ LORD ELCHOasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the newspapers that a volunteer band appeared in uniform in the recent trades procession on Whit Monday; and, whether he approves of volunteers or volunteer bands taking part in political demonstrations; and, if not, whether he will cause an order to be issued forbidding it in future?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, by the existing Regulations no portion of the Auxiliary Forces is permitted to take part in any public procession or ceremony without the special authority of the General Officer commanding the district. I need scarcely say that no such authority was applied for in the present instance. By another Regulation, no band of Volunteers is permitted to appear in uniform without the authority of its commanding officer.