HC Deb 12 March 1948 vol 448 cc195-6W
Mr. Murray

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the band of the 4th Hussars stationed at Colchester played at a ball organised by the Conservative Association after the War Office had informed them they must not play; why this instruction was ignored; what action he proposes to take in this matter; and if the regulations permit a military band to play at such functions in civilian clothes.

Mr. Shinwell

This band was given permission by the Commanding Officer to play at the George Hotel, Colchester, at what was originally understood to be an ordinary public dance. Later, when it became known that the dance was being run by the Conservative Association, permission for the band to play was withdrawn in accordance with King's Regulations. I understand, however, that the individual members of the band did in fact play at the ball in plain clothes with privately or regimentally owned instruments in their spare time. By doing so they did not infringe any regulation.