§ 36 and 37. Mr. CHARLES BARRIEasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether Irish regiments have requested permission to use the bagpipes; whether the War Office propose to accede to this request;
(2) whether the use of bagpipes is the special prerogative of Scottish regiments?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir. Requests have been made by Irish regiments to use bagpipes, and the whole matter is at present under consideration.
§ Mr. BARRIEDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the resentment there will be in the Highland regiments if this proposal be carried out?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is quite true it should be very carefully considered, but a privilege is one thing, a monopoly another.
Dr. MURRAYBefore bringing this innovation into Irish regiments, will he consider the sentiment of Highland and 1070 other Scottish regiments which have had bagpipes for generations?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think it ought to be most carefully considered; but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Irish Guards already have bagpipes.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDid not the Scots bring the bagpipes from Ireland, in the first instance, many centuries ago?