HC Deb 17 July 1957 vol 573 cc1117-8
11. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Black Watch bands which will play in a number of Canadian and United States cities in the autumn were permitted to sign a contract with the Hurok organisation which prevents them giving a concert for the Caledonian Hospital in New York or for any other charity during the tour.

Mr. John Hare

A clause in the contract forbids the acceptance of engagements which are not arranged by the tour manager. I understand that this provision is a normal feature of a contract of this type. The commanding officer of the band is willing to give a charity concert for the Caledonian Hospital if suitable arrangements can be made between the tour manager and the hospital board.

Sir D. Robertson

That does not arise from my Question. What arises is the nature of this contract, which prevents the descendants of a very distinguished regiment from giving a charity concert. This regiment played a great part in building up North America. At Ticonderoga, in New York State, many of the men gave their lives in defence of the Colony. Will not my right hon. Friend take steps to cancel this contract? It must be most harmful to British soldiers to be at the beck and call of a showman who will not yield after two or three months of effort to arrange for these men to give a concert for the hospital.

Mr. Hare

I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend's desire to help this hospital, but the contract was signed and the tour was fully booked several months ago. I must make it clear that there was nothing in any way irregular or improper about the original contract.

Mr. Woodburn

When the right hon. Gentleman is breaking up the old regiments of the British Army, will he keep in mind the importance of preserving this very useful peace-time function of famous Scottish regiments?

Mr. Hare

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman's intervention was very helpful. Naturally, I will consider any reasonable argument.