§ MR. WEBBI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent shooting at an innocent person by a sentry at Wellington Barracks, and bearing in mind the fact that many Members of this House, besides numbers of the general public, have to pass along Birdcage Walk at all hours of the night, he will consider the propriety of directing that under normal circumstances ball cartridge should not be served out to the sentries at Wellington Barracks?
§ tatives MR. E. STANHOPEThe matter is primarily one for the consideration of the Military Authorities, to whom I have referred the question.
MR. MAC NEILL (Donegal, S.)Why did this man have ball cartridge at all? It is proved that he had six rounds.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThat is the very question asked by the hon. Gentleman, and it is the question that I have referred to the Military Authorities.
§ SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)Is it the custom to serve out ball cartridge to sentries in time of peace?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEYes, Sir, it is; and I have asked the Military Authorities to consider whether it is necessary to continue it for the public service.