HC Deb 25 July 1893 vol 15 c467
MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the band of the Derbyshire Yeomanry Cavalry performed in uniform at an "At Home," at the Beaconsfield Club, Derby, on the 7th instant; and whether it is in accordance with the Rules of the Service for a military baud to perform at a political entertainment in uniform?

THE MARQUESS of CARMARTHEN (Lambeth, Brixton)

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask if his attention has been called to the fact that the speech delivered by the chairman of the club contained these words-— I need not remind you that to-day we have nothing whatever to do with politics.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Is the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that Radicals would have been admitted on this occasion?

* MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I can only hope they would under the circumstances explained by the noble Lord. I am officially informed by the officer commanding the Derbyshire Yeomanry, by telegraph, as follows:— At a garden party given at the Beaconsfield Club, Derby, on the 7th July, in honour of the marriage of Princess May and the Duke of York, permission was given for the band to play a programme of music. There was nothing political whatever. I may add that the Queen's Regulations forbid the attendance of soldiers in uniform at any political meeting.