asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the Army Benevolent Fund Carnival Committee have made arrangements to hold dances on each night during the period 5th April to 18th May, 1947; that the committee propose to employ Army bands on three selected nights in each week and civilian bands on the other four nights in each week to perform at these dances; that this arrangement is the cause of much dissatisfaction to civilian musicians, many of whom are unemployed at present; and if, in view of this, he will refuse permission for the employment of Army bands at these functions.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Employment of Army Bands
I am aware that the Army Benevolent Fund Carnival Committee have made arrangements to hold dances on each night during the period 5th April to 18th May, 1947. The committee decided to employ civilian bands on the four principal nights in each week and a band of Army musicians, whose services were being given free, on the remaining three nights. The civilian bands, to whom engagements were offered, refused these engagements unless employment for the seven nights was offered. In these circumstances, their engagement was not proceeded with and I do not propose to interfere with the arrangements made by the carnival committee.