Sir G. DOYLEasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the excessive unemployment amongst members of the Musicians' Union, he will take such steps as may be necessary to restrict the employment of bands of His Majesty's Forces in private engagements during the continuance of acute depression in the entertainment industry?
§ Mr. WALSHI have been asked to answer this question. Army bands are not allowed to accept private engagements unless at least 25 bandsmen, or in the case of indoor performances 20 bandsmen, are required. They are further not allowed to accept engagements which would interfere with their military duties. These rules constitute restrictions on the employment of Army hands, and lessen the extent to which they compete with civilian bands, thereby increasing the area within which civilian bands are free from competition. I am not prepared to impose further restrictions, which would be unfair to the bandsmen by depriving them of the benefits of an old standing and well recognised custom. The attendance of Army bands is in response to a public need, but they are not permitted to accept engagements at less than the fair current rate charged by civilian bands in the same locality.