Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he was aware that the band of the Royal Marines, thirty in number, Chatham Division, had contracted to give four concerts at South Shields for an inclusive sum of £67 10s.; that it would take over £37 to pay their railway fares at a single fare for the double journey, leaving only £30 for hotel and other expenses; that it was impossible for prize brass bands to compete with the Royal Marines for engagements of this kind; and whether he would take steps to fix a minimum charge per day, plus travelling expenses, for the services of bands connected with the Navy?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am informed that the amount contracted for on this occasion was £67, composed of £54 fee and £13 to cover railway fares. I am inquiring further into this matter, but I am not yet in possession of the information necessary to enable me to answer the remainder of my hon. Friend's question.