§ 83. Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that posters, headed Finsbury Conservative and Unionist Association, have been issued announcing a concert, with the band of the 2nd Life Guards and pipers and drums of the Scots Guards in attendance; and whether the War Office authorises the use of these bands in such connection?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Sir R. Sanders)I am informed that a few posters were, by mistake, issued for the occasion referred to, with the name of the Finsbury Conservative and Unionist Association at the top, but they were either obliterated or removed within an hour and a half of their having been posted. The concert was not given by the Conservative and Unionist Association, nor under its auspices. It was an entirely non-political and patriotic concert, with no political items. I understand that the Northampton Institute where the concert was held does not allow 1536 any political meetings to be held in its large hall. My hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Finsbury gave a lecture on the British Empire before and after the War, and the sum realised by the sale of programmes was given to Lord Haig's Warriors' Day Fund. The Regulations do not forbid regimental bands playing on such occasions.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre not all Conservatives non-political?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI must ask for notice of that question.