§ MR. MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if the Government have abandoned the Artillery land range at 1808 Barry Links; and, if so, will they allow the guns and Government stores to be sent to Irvine land range of 2,000 yards, secured by lease of seven years; and if the cost of sending the Militia Artillery Corps into camp at Irvine will be less than sending them to Barry?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEThe Government have not abandoned the artillery range at Barry Links, but they have not, up to the present time, been able to arrange with Lord Dalhousie's tutors for its use, the rent demanded being, in the opinion of the War Department, excessive. Pending further consideration of this point, it is not at present contemplated to send the guns and stores to Irvine. The cost of sending the Eastern regiments of Scottish Artillery Militia to Irvine would be greater than that of sending them to Barry.
§ MR. MARK STEWARTIn the event of the Government not being able to secure the range, will the Government be willing to send the guns and stores to the Irvine land range?
§ *MR. STANHOPEThe hon. Member must not press me on that point. The whole matter is awaiting decision.