MR. T. F. RICHARDSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home 1331 Department whether he is aware that the police band connected with the Birmingham force is allowed to take private engagements, thereby depriving civilian bandsmen of their means of livelihood; and whether he will take steps towards discontinuing the practice wherever it prevails.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThis is a matter for the discretion of the Watch Committee, with which I have no authority to interfere.