HC Deb 05 April 1965 vol 710 cc19-20
21. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why soldiers of the Royal Engineers were sent from Chatham to work on repairs to the Household Brigade's polo club stands at Smith's Lawn, Windsor Great Park.

Mr. Mulley

This stand was originally constructed by the Royal Engineers for an official demonstration. The recent repair work provided good practical training for soldiers attending trade training courses at the Royal School of Military Engineering.

Mr. Tuck>

Is my hon. Friend aware that a detachment of the Brigade of Guards was sent to clear the snow from Chelsea Football Ground? Is this the kind of duty for which our crack regiments are trained and which they are expected to perform?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Surely this is a different kind of sport. It is a kind of winter sport. The Question concerns polo.

Captain Litchfield

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am very grateful that these soldiers should have been used to clear Chelsea Football Ground? May I ask—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have banned, for this purpose, Chelsea Football Ground.