§ Captain PLUGGEasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the new regulations affecting the pay of military bands have affected the number of engagements this year at the seaside; and whether, owing to the alteration in terms, anything will be done to prevent the finances of the different bands from being prejudicially affected?
Mr. COOPERI am not yet in a position to say whether there will be any reduction in the number of band engagements this year as compared with last year, but I see no reason to assume that the reintroduction in November last of a minimum scale of charges, approximating closely to the average fees previously received, should have such a result.