§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if the band of the Cold-stream Guards attended on the 9th inst. at the annual meeting of the Liberal Social Council, at the Royal Horticultural Hall; and, having regard to the occasions upon which the voluntary presence of military bands at Unionist meetings has been forbidden in consequence of Liberal objection, he will say why an exception was made in favour of this association.
§ MR. HALDANEThe band of the Cold-stream Guards played at the reception of the Liberal Social Council in 1904, 1905, and on May 9th, 1906. The rule which has for some time been followed is that 351 a band is permitted to take engagements at any meeting or social gathering provided no political speeches are delivered. On each of the occasions mentioned it was ascertained with very great care that no political speeches would be delivered, and none were delivered.