ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is true, as reported, that the War Office authorities have refused to allow service ammunition to be issued free for the usual annual naval and military prize competition at Browndown, held under the patronage of the Naval Commander-in-Chief and the General commanding the Southern District; whether it is a fact that for many years past ammunition has always been granted as an encouragement to both Services to acquire proficiency in the art of shooting at these annual prize meetings; and whether, seeing that the officers mainly provide the prizes, he will direct that the necessary ammunition be supplied in the interest of the Public Service?
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling, &c.I am informed that ammunition was refused for the Browndown Rifle Meeting this year because a large excess of ammunition issued for this purpose in previous years was struck off at the request of the General Officer commanding the district, on the ground that these meetings would not be held in future, the organisation under which they had been held having been broken up, and there being no person left in the district who could be held responsible. Of course, I can only speak with regard to the Army.