§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances officers of the Household Brigade are permitted to spend three days per week hunting in the winter and three days per week playing polo in the summer; and what implications this practice has for the proper supervision by an officer of his duties.
§ Mr. FreemanOfficers in the Household Cavalry have no special privileges in respect of leave or time off duty. Leave entitlement for Army officers is 42 days per annum (including Saturdays and Sundays) and is subject to approval by the relevant commanding officer. Officers may engage in hunting and polo only to the extent that it is consistent with the proper performance of their military duties. These pursuits develop equestrian skills.