§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the military duties undertaken by an Army bandsman; how many hours a week he spends on such duties; and how frequently he is sent on training courses to improve his military capability.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe primary role of Army bandsmen in peace time is to play music, and other military duties are arranged so as not to conflict with this priority. Most bandsmen do, however, receive medical training and basic skill at arms training for an operational capability in the event of mobilisation. It is not possible to apportion the amount of time spent on such training, which varies according to circumstances.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what military duties are assigned to the 31 directors of music in the Regular Army; how many hours a week are spent on such duties; and what period of time each director of music has spent on training courses designed to improve military proficiency and up-date military knowledge.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe primary duty of a director of music is to maintain the music proficiency of his band. A director of music does not have an operational role and does not receive operation training.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, having regard to the number of occasions on which Army bands have undertaken recording sessions during 1974 and 1975, he will list in the Official Report (a) the total sum of money distributed between the 31 directors of music in the Regular Army over that period from such activities (b) the annual amount received by each director of music over that period (c) in what form Army regulations stipulate that this information be recorded (d) who is responsible for auditing such payments and (e) how frequently the commanding officer receives a report on the activities authorised by him and undertaken by an Army band together with the audited accounts.
315W
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownI shall publish this information in theOfficial Report as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence how much rehearsal time is required by an Army band prior to a recording session; when the band carries out its rehearsals for the recording session; and what records are kept by the commanding officer of the total time spent by the band on researsals and recording, and the time spent on military duties.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownRehearsal times vary according to the musical ability of the band and the type of music being recorded. No records are maintained of the time spent on rehearsals and recording.
§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report details of the scale appropriate to the distribution of payments to Army bands for recording sessions, referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch on 5th March, including the proportions payable to directors of music, members of the band and regimental funds, respectively.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe scale of distribution laid down is as follows:
First £1,000 Percentage Above £1,000 Percentage Public Funds 5 5 Performers 60 65 Band Fund 20 15 Director of Music 15 15