§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for War whether any representations have been made to him regarding the alleged unfair competition between Army bands and bands composed of civilian musicians; and whether he has in contemplation any orders restricting the extent of such competition by limiting the engagement of military bands on non-military occasions?
§ Mr. SHAWYes, Sir, and I have recently had instructions issued forbidding, subject to the fulfilment of certain existing contract obligations, string or other parties from Regular Army bands to take paid civilian engagements where such engagements call for less than 25 performers out of doors or 20 performers indoors. Exception to this general rule will be allowed in the case of bands playing in places of worship and of certain entertainments of a Service character.