§ Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that the bands of Special Reserve battalions are maintained by a deduction of two days' pay from each officer of the battalion, supplemented by a grant of £25 from the Government; that owing to the shortage of officers in the Special Reserve the amount received is insufficient for the upkeep of the band; and whether he will consider the question of increasing the 1986 Government grant and abolishing the deduction from the officers' pay?
§ Colonel SEELYThe subscriptions towards these bands vary considerably, but the average contributions are as stated in the question. It is probable that in some cases owing to the shortage of officers these amounts are insufficient for their upkeep. It is hoped, however, that the alteration in the mode of appointment of officers to the Special Reserve recently announced will attract larger numbers to the Force, and that the contributions towards the band expenses will show a corresponding increase. There is no present intention of increasing the Government grant.
§ Colonel YATEIs there any intention to abolish the deductions from officers' pay?
§ Colonel SEELYI should prefer to have notice of that supplementary question.