§ 26. Mr. Lathanasked the Home Secretary the number of officers constituting the central band of the Metropolitan police; the conditions under which members of the band are relieved from ordinary police duty for band purposes; whether the band is permitted to play at public functions for remuneration; and the number of hours lost to the public service in ordinary duty by band practice and engagements during the past 12 months?
§ Sir J. SimonThe central band of the Metropolitan police consists of 54 officers. They are allowed time off duty for practice purposes up to a maximum of four hours a week: but a full attendance at band practice is seldom possible owing to duty requirements, and sometimes the weekly practice has to be entirely cancelled. The band is allowed to play at public functions for remuneration, but such engagements are undertaken outside duty time. During the yeas ended 28th February last the band practised for 86 hours in duty time.
§ Mr. LathanWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of still further limiting the release of men from police duties for public engagements with the band, in view of the feeling among unemployed professional musicians because of the present practice?
§ Sir J. SimonOf course, we do not want to do any harm to unemployed musicians, but I cannot help thinking that the Metropolitan police band is an institution which is entitled to consideration.