THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they are aware that on October 4, 1948, authority was given by the War Office for the formation of military bands for all infantry battalions of the Territorial Army, such bands to consist of a bandmaster and 30 bandsmen in addition to the normal strength of the battalion, and that an initial grant of £300, with an annual upkeep grant of £150, was sanctioned; if they are further aware, that such grants cannot be drawn by Scottish battalions for the formation of a corps of pipes and drums, instead of a military brass band; if they will state the reason for this discrimination against Scottish regiments, and whether they will take immediate steps to bring this injustice to Scotland to an end.
LORD PAKENHAMAs stated in the first part of the Question, all infantry battalions of the Territorial Army are authorised to form military bands on separate establishments consisting of a bandmaster and 30 bandsmen. An initial grant of £300 is made for this purpose and a subsequent annual grant is made for the provision and maintenance of instruments. In addition to these military bands, all infantry battalions are authorised to form drum, pipe or bugle bands within the unit establishment. These bands are not regarded as substitutes for military bands and no grant-in-aid is given, but they are provided with instruments free on an authorised scale, and Scottish and Irish battalions are also allowed one pipe major and five pipers extra to normal establishment. There is no discrimination against Scottish battalions; no grants are made to any battalions which have drum, pipe, or bugle bands only and do not form military bands.
House adjourned at eleven minutes before eight o'clock.