HC Deb 25 July 1978 vol 954 c1353
12. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will visit the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Robert C. Brown)

I have no plans to visit Kneller Hall in the foreseeable future.

Mr. Jessel

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that British military bands, trained at Kneller Hall, Twickenham, have a high standard of excellence and are the envy of the world? Is he aware that, incidentally, they help our national balance of payments by attracting visitors to the United Kingdom? Will he fight any small-minded element in the Left wing of his party which seeks to undermine the morale-boosting value of this fine British tradition?

Mr. Brown

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has the same high regard for British military bands as I have.