§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of full-time bands and bandsmen in each of the Services, the cost of maintaining the band services and the extent to which this cost is recovered by charges made for public performances.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe number of full time bands and bandsmen is:
Royal Marines Army Royal Air Force Total Bands 11 78 6 95 Bandsmen 546 3,438 319 4,303 The numbers of bandsmen include trainees—including junior bandsmen—undergoing full-time military musical training.
The total cost of the band services for 1973–74 is estimated at £12.7 million.
The sum recovered by the Defence Vote in 1973–74 as a result of charges made for public performances is estimated at £26,000.