HC Deb 22 November 1888 vol 330 cc1815-6
MR. HANBURY (Preston)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it 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. STANHOPE

said: 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. STANHOPE

No, 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.