§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is intended to give a display of the massed bands of the Royal Marines on the Horse Guards Parade this year.]
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, the last three occasions on which Beat Retreat was staged on the Horse Guards Parade were in 1950, 1958 and 1960. This event has not therefore followed a regular pattern in the past, and it is not intended to stage it this year. I am, however, considering whether the ceremony could be performed more regularly in future and I will gladly inform the noble Earl of the outcome.