THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they will state how many Territorial battalions are provided with drum or bugle bands only, and are thus not qualified for the initial grant of £300, or the upkeep allowance of £150 per annum; and whether a band composed of fifes and drums suffers under the same disability.
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (LORD PAKENHAM)All Territorial Army battalions are entitled to form a military or brass band and thus qualify for the initial grant of £300 and the upkeep allowance thereafter of £150 per344WA annum provided they can recruit the necessary men. All Territorial Army battalions may, in addition, raise within their own establishment a drum and fife, pipe or bugle band, but, as all instruments and equipment for these bands are issued free on authorised scales, they are not eligible for financial grants, although Territorial and Auxiliary Forces associations may, if they wish, assist them in defraying expenses out of association general funds. As the noble Lord will be aware from my Written Answer to his Question on June 2, my right honourable friend has under review the question of grants for bands of the Territorial Army.
House adjourned at eight minutes past six o'clock.