HC Deb 01 December 1931 vol 260 c941
94. Sir ALFRED BEIT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the unemployment amongst musicians, few of whom are entitled to unemployment benefit, he will issue instructions restraining service bands from accepting municipal engagements at health and pleasure resorts?

Mr. COOPER

Military bands are permitted to accept civil engagements because there is a public demand for their services, and are not permitted to do so on terms which are lower than those which would be offered in the same circumstances to a civilian band. I see no reason for altering the present policy in this matter.

Sir A. BEIT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the plight of these musicians is considerably worse now than it was when the matter was last raised, on account of the advent of talking pictures; and will he not therefore reverse his decision?

Mr. COOPER

I cannot hold out any hope of the decision being reversed.