§ 7. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the number of men serving in the band of the 11th Hussars; how frequently new uniforms are issued to them; what length of 155 cloth is required to make these uniforms, and how many years will be taken to use up for this purpose the uniform cloth in stock which was formerly worn by this regiment?
§ Mr. COOPERThe authorised establishment of the band is 27, but uniform is also provided for supplementary players, including boys under training, not in-chided in the establishment. New uniforms are not issued at fixed periods but are supplied as and when required. There are approximately 2⅙ yards in these uniforms, of which more than a yard is required for the trousers made of the material peculiar to this regiment.
§ Mr. RAMSDENHow long does the hon. Gentleman estimate it will take to use up the cloth which they have in stock? That is asked in the Question, but there is no reply to it.
§ Mr. COOPERAs already stated new uniforms are issued when required and not at fixed intervals. It is therefore impossible to calculate the exact period for which the present supply of cloth will last, but, roughly speaking, it should last for a considerable period—some 50 or 60 years, or even longer.
§ Mr. LUMLEYIs my hon. Friend aware that the wearing of crimson pants has been a tradition of this regiment for many years and will he make sure of preserving the tradition by preserving the crimson cloth?
§ Mr. RAMSDENIs the hon. Gentleman aware that long before 50 or 60 years this cloth will be of no value whatever?