HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc674-5
11. Sir T. Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of occasions on which military bands have escorted troops through the streets of London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, respectively, during the month of March, 1941?

Captain Margesson

I regret that this information is not readily available.

Sir T. Moore

In view of the fact that the Prime Minister stated recently that the horizon was now dark, is not that a good reason for trying to make the day-time a little brighter? Will my right hon. and gallant Friend, to use his own phrase, not come clean on this question and tell us what the mystery of these bands is and where they are?

Captain Margesson

There is no mystery at all. Only last week I heard a band in Whitehall. I jumped to my feet and left my work—I could no longer concentrate on it—and I at once thought of my hon. and gallant Friend. I hoped he was in London and saw how his wishes were being carried out by having bands marching through the streets.