§ 1. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that at a fete organised by the Hitchin local Conservative and Unionist Association in the grounds of Hitchin Priory, on 16th July, the Henlow Royal Air Force band was in attendance; whether official sanction was given; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The Henlow band, which is a voluntary one, accepted an engagement as stated in the question. The engagement was approved by the officer responsible, who stipulated that the band, although attending the fete, should take no part in the political meeting which formed part of the entertainment. The presence of the band in such circumstances, though not directly forbidden by the terms of the existing regulations, is liable to be misunderstood, and my right hon. Friend is having revised regulations issued.
§ Colonel DAYWill the hon. Baronet say whether any payment will be made for the use of the band in the circumstances, and does the payment go to the men?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI do not think the men were paid. They were playing in their spare time on the Saturday afternoon.
§ Major Sir RICHARD BARNETTIs the hon. Baronet aware that the only abjection to this band is that it has not got the Red Flag?