§ 7. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the appearance of a Territorial Army band at a Conservative party gathering at Corstorphine on 21st June; and whether he proposes to take any action to prevent the recurrence of such a breach of regulations?
§ Mr. SHAWI have received a report on this case from which it appears that the engagement was accepted in the belief that it was for a garden and musical fete, and not for a political gathering. The Regulations for the Territorial Army clearly lay down that bands are not permitted to play at political demonstrations and this isolated and unintentional departure from them does not suggest that any special steps are necessary to secure their observance. I hope that the publicity given to this matter by the question and answer will prevent any such mistake in future.
§ Mr. MATHERSIf I show the right hon. Gentleman that this particular engagement, in which this band was involved, 1078 was advertised a week before the event took place, and that the advertisement in the "Edinburgh Evening News was headed" Corstorphine Unionist Association," will he take action?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better send the Minister the information which he has.
§ Major COLVILLEWill the Government show the same zeal for regulations that will prevent the use of Service aircraft by Cabinet Ministers?