§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the First Commissioner of Works, If any portion of Richmond Park is likely to be given up for a range to the National Rifle Association; if he is aware that this would entail the cutting down of many fine old trees, permanent injury to the scenery of the Park, and considerable inconvenience, if not danger, to the public; if he is aware that very great dissatisfaction exists among the residents of Richmond at the proposed encroachment upon the Park; and, whether, in view of the facilities for rifle practice afforded by the existing ranges at Wimbledon and else- 1756 where, he will refuse to permit the disfigurement of one of the most beautiful Parks in the Kingdom?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)The request of the National Rifle Association to be allowed to use a portion of Richmond Park for the purposes of their annual competition, and the arguments for and against that proposal, are under consideration; and I think it is better that I should not express any opinion upon the particular questions raised by the hon. Baronet until a decision on the whole subject has been arrived at by the Government.
§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman had observed any statement on the part of Volunteers to the effect that the National Rifle Association in no sort of way represented the Volunteer Force?
§ MR. PLUNKETI have heard a great many statements to the effect that the Association does not represent the Volunteers, and also a great many statements that the Volunteers are deeply interested in the question.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)inquired, whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that forms had been sent out to all the Volunteers, asking them to express an opinion in favour of this site being adopted?
§ MR. PLUNKETI am not aware of it, Sir.