§ MR JOHNSTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a memorial from the Downpatrick Town Commissioners in reference to the annual training of the 5th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, which for many years has taken place at Saul Camp, near Downpatrick; and whether, in view of the facts that the excellent conduct of the regiment has given great satisfaction to the Military Authorities and to the townspeople, told that a suitable rifle range is available for the 547 Battalion, he will favourably consider the memorial, and approve of the annual training of the Battalion taking place, as formerly, in the neighbourhood of the county town, as its removal would entail expense, and cause serious injury to Downpatrick?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe memorial from Downpatrick has been received. The rifle range at Downpatrick is reported to be open to objection, and, apart from this fact, the regiment has not been trained at the Curragh since 1876, and the General Commanding in Ireland is anxious that it should have the advantage of instruction at that camp.