§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it 1816 is the intention of the Government to contribute towards the cost of a suitable site to replace that hitherto used by the Volunteers at Wimbledon; if so, whether this House will be afforded an opportunity of expressing its opinion upon any site involving National expenditure or a large grant of public property; and, whether he has satisfied himself as to the accuracy of the Reports made to the National Rifle Association and to the War Office, especially in the case of Cannock Chase?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)If my hon. Friend would have postponed his Question for a day or two I could have given him a complete answer; but, of course, if it were proposed to give a grant of public money to assist the National Rifle Association in acquiring a new site for its annual meetings a Vote of this House would be required.
§ In answer to a further Question by Mr. HANBURY,
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid: I do not suppose that anyone would think it probable that the Government would hand over the freehold of land belonging to it to the National Rifle Association.
§ MR. COGHILL (Newcastle-under-Lyme)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the Council of the National Rifle Association was a self-elected body, and in no way represented the entire Volunteer Force?
§ MR. E. STANHOPENo, Sir. I am not aware of the manner in which the Council of the National Rifle Association is elected; but I imagine that it has hitherto given general satisfaction to the great mass of Volunteers.