Mr. STANLEY WILSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been called to an announcement in connection with a public meeting organised in support of the Budget proposals and to be addressed by the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Lord Advocate, at the White City Exhibition, Old Trafford, Manchester; and whether the band of the 18th Hussars was to take part in the proceedings?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. HALDANE)I have made inquiries and I am informed that the band of the 18th Hussars took no part in the meeting.
§ Mr. HALDANEI made inquiries and I have got no answer about that. All I can: say is this, that however meritorious the object is, the War Office is extremely conservative and strict in applying regulations, and for any occasion of that kind a band would not be allowed to perform.