HC Deb 14 July 1953 vol 517 cc1873-4
5. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for War why permission was given for the band of the Northamptonshire Regiment to perform at a political fete held on the recreation ground in Colchester which was addressed by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Lewis-ham, South, on Saturday, 4th July.

Mr. Head

This request, made by the East Essex Co-operative Society, was accepted because the officer concerned did not realise that the Society or the fete were of a political character. I have drawn the attention of those concerned to the regulations which are very definite on this subject.

Mr. Alport

Is there not an obligation on those organising occasions of this sort to make certain that commanding officers are aware of the exact nature of the occasion before they agree that a band shall attend?

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he became Secretary of State for War military bands have played at Conservative functions?

Mr. Head

Since I have been Secretary of State for War there have been two mistakes; one in which they played for a Government fete and one in which they played for an Opposition fete.

Mr. Coldrick

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this was not a political fete but a day of celebration held in connection with International Co-operators Day? Are we to assume that because politicians are present at a function it is turned into a political gathering?

Mr. Head

I understand that the right hon. Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison) addressed the meeting and the programme included old-time dancing and a "stationary programme," whatever that might be.