§ 3. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the purpose, and the cost, of the visit to Monaco, during April, of the Royal Marines band from Malta.
Mr. WardIn accordance with custom, a Royal Marine band was embarked in Her Majesty's Ship "Dalrymple" when she visited Monaco at the invitation of the Monegasque Government for the wedding of His Serene Highness the Prince of Monaco. No additional cost was incurred by sending the band. The visit of the "Dalrymple" was a great success and in this the band played a notable part.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhy was there so much of this irresponsible tomfoolery at the Admiralty last month? Would it not have been better to send the Royal Marine band to Portsmouth to welcome the Russians and send our frogmen to the wedding at Monte Carlo, instead of the other way round?
§ Mr. G. R. HowardIn view of such comments as have just been made and various other comments which one has heard, can my hon. Friend say why this survey vessel was selected to be present on that occasion in preference to any other vessel?
Mr. WardIt was because Monaco is the headquarters of the International Hydrographic Bureau, and it was particularly appropriate to send a survey ship.