§ 54. Mr. DENNISONasked the Secretary of State for War what are the Regulations concerning bands of His Majesty's Territorial or Regular Army performing at political gatherings?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Commodore Douglas King)It is contrary to established practice to permit bands of the Regular or Territorial Army to accept engagements at political gatherings.
§ Mr. DENNISONHaving regard to the reply of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, will he cause inquiries to be made into the fact that the band of the 16th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, per formed at a Tory party gathering in the Yardley Division of Birmingham on Saturday last, and that a similar band is advertised to perform at a gathering at Chelmsford, where the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Health is advertised 406 to speak. Will an inquiry be made and information given that the practice is undesirable and ought not to be carried out?
§ Commodore KINGI will make inquiries into any allegation the hon. Gentleman may like to send to me.
§ Mr. DENNISONI will send it.
§ Commodore KINGThank you.