§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for War whether pressure from the War Office is responsible for the decision of the British Broadcasting Corporation to dispense with the British Broadcasting Corporation Military Band and introduce service bands; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the young men in Service bands shall be better employed in relation to the war effort than by displacing 37 men, 35 of whom are ex-service men, above military age, and two unfit.
§ Sir J. GriggThe decision of the British Broadcasting Corporation referred to in the Question was not due to pressure from my Department. The performances of regimental bands are, I understand, much appreciated by listeners and I do not consider any steps need be taken to restrict broadcasts by regimental bands.