§ MR. MALLOCK (Devon, Torquay)asked the Secretary of State for War, If he can state what percentage of the rank and file of the Artillery Volunteers have had any drill or practice with any heavier guns than the 64-pounder and 80-pounder converted R.M.L. guns during the year 1886–7?
§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)also asked, as to the guns supplied to the 5th Lancashire Artillery Volunteers, whether it was not the fact that they were supplied with old, obsolete, and utterly worthless guns? How many other corps are there in the same position?
§ THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF ORDNANCE (Mr. NORTHCOTE) (Exeter)1753 (who replied) said: Facilities for drilling with guns of the higher natures were offered in 1886–7 to about 20 percent of the Volunteer Artillery enrolled; but, without calling for Returns from the several districts, the Secretary of State is not able to say how many availed themselves of the offer. I have, however, no objection to the Returns being ordered. I must ask the hon. Member for Preston to give Notice of his Question, during which time I will make inquiries.
§ MR. HANBURYsaid, he would call attention to the subject on the Estimates.