HC Deb 17 April 1893 vol 11 cc432-3
SIR ALEXANDER ACLAND-HOOD (Somerset, Wellington)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War how many regiments quartered in the Dublin district are armed with the magazine rifle; how many ranges in that district are available for the use of that arm; is it the fact that a suitable range has been selected within 14 miles of Dublin, but that it is not in use in consequence of the necessary funds not being provided; how many regiments in that district are armed with the Martini-Henry; why are they still so armed; and if ordered on service would they be equipped with an obsolete weapon or with one of which they had no knowledge?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Four battalions in the Dublin district are armed with the magazine rifle, but there are no ranges in the district available for that arm. A site for a range has been selected at about 14 miles from Dublin; but it is improbable the funds for its acquisition will be available this year. Four battalions in the Dublin district retain the Martini-Henry rifle, because the Commander of the Forces in Ireland does not wish a further issue of magazine rifles until a suitable range has been provided. If the battalions armed with Martini- Henrys were ordered on service they would be equipped with the magazine rifle, the action of which can be learnt very readily by any trained soldier.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

What is the name of the site?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Kilbride.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

Whore will the battalions armed with the magazine rifle execute their annual course of musketry?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I must ask for further notice of that question.