Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the band of the 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment, by kind permission of Colonel Lyon, V.D., has been engaged to play under the auspices of the Primrose League at a Conservative demonstration to be held at Wilburton, Cambridgeshire, which is to be addressed by the prospective Conservative and Unionist candidate for West Cambridgeshire, and by two Conservative Members of Parliament; and if he will see that all responsible officers are specially advised of the prohibition against Army bands being allowed to play at political party gatherings?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)I have had instructions issued prohibiting the band from playing, and am having the case inquired into.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not permissible for a regimental band when on furlough to play in plain clothes at gatherings of this description?
§ Mr. HALDANEThat question does not here arise.