§ MR. D. SULLIVANI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on Wednesday, 15th August, the members of the Blandford Constitutional Club Primrose League, on their excursion to Sherborne, were met at the station by the band of the G Company, First Battalion Dorset R.V., and, headed by the band, proceeded to the place of meeting; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent such violations of the Rules and Regulations made by him regarding the use of Military Service bands at political Party meetings?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley(who replied) said: The officer commanding at Dorchester reports that if the band of G Company, First Volunteer Battalion Dorset Regiment played on the occasion as stated it was without the permission of the officer commanding the battalion. Inquiries are being made, and should the facts prove to be as stated, further steps will be taken in conformity with the Regulations on the subject. A telegram which has just been received states the band in question did not play at any national meeting, but met a train 159 from Bradford, and accompanied the excursionists to the Digby Hotel, by permission of the officer commanding the Sherborne Company of Volunteers. They also played in uniform during the lunch. There are still some matters in connection with this which will have to be inquired into.