§ 55. and 56. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) how many official regimental bands and their equivalents in the other services exist in the armed forces; and to what extent they are used for public entertainment;
(2) whether he will encourage the development of wider repertoires, not confined to martial music, by military bands.
§ Lord BalnielThere are at present 96 military bands. The extent to which they are used for public entertainment varies a good deal, depending largely on where the band is stationed. Repertoires already include a wide range of music, including orchestral, church and dance music.