§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that a band of the Royal Artillery at Woolwich played at a "Unionist Fête" at Walthamstow on 4th August; and, whether this was in accordance with the Rule prohibiting bands of regiments taking part in political demonstrations?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I am informed that the application for the attendance of the band was for a garden party at the house of a gentleman who had obtained its services in the three previous years for purely private parties. Shortly, however, after his arrival, the bandmaster, seeing flags and other decorations which led him to suppose that the me9ting might have some political character, after a short interval withdrew his band before any speeches were made, and the band therefore took no part in any political demonstration.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREasked whether the regulations forbidding the attendance of military bands at political gatherings applied to Yeomanry bands? He asked this Question, because he saw that the band of the Shropshire Yeomanry contemplated playing at a dancing fête of the Primrose League.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, that he would make inquiry.