§ 60. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister who is responsible for the advertisements concerning recruiting that appear in the newspaper Press; and whether he can give instructions that the advertisements appearing in the Scottish Press should not be addressed to the men of England?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that the War Office are responsible for these advertisements. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that the publication of an advertisement in the "Glasgow Evening News" of the 10th instant, addressed to Englishmen, was due to an oversight. Instructions had already been given that so far as possible recruiting advertisements should be addressed to the men of England, Scotland, or according to the country in which they are issued.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the War Office is responsible for the advertisement calling upon employers to inquire whether they had in their employment any butlers, footmen, gamekeepers, or others who were capable of serving their country; whether the War Office was responsible for this advertisement; and whether the Prime Minister approves of that style of thing?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not seen that advertisement, but I will look into the matter.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI will try and send the right hon. Gentleman the advertisement.
§ 67. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked if there is any official prohibition against brass bands being used by the new battalions; and, if so, the reason for the same?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt was decided when the New Armies were being organised that bands could not be provided, as they took fighting men away from their training. Fifes and drums were subsequently sanctioned for each battalion, on condition that the men were not taken away from their training.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLDo I understand that brass bands are permitted or not permitted?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes; I think that the hon. Gentleman must understand that they are permitted.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLDoes not a drum and fife band take the men away just as much as a brass band?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, I think not.