HC Deb 09 August 1894 vol 28 cc438-9
COLONEL H. VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state how many ranges there are within a reasonable distance of the Metropolis certificated for the compulsory class firing of the 30,000 Volunteer troops in London; and if shooting at an uncertificated range is practically forbidden, as in the case of the Staines range, whereby the expenditure of £32,000 by patriotic individuals, with the encouragement of his predecessor, has been rendered useless and unremunerative?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,&c.) Stirling,

There are 14 ranges within a reasonable distance of the Metropolis used by London Volunteer corps. Ranges are not certified for class-firing specially, but with reference to their safety for the purposes for which they are required. When a range is declared to be unsafe the use of it is practically forbidden. I have no knowledge of the amount of the expenditure incurred by the private company to which the Staines Range belongs.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Staines Range was established under the direct encouragement of his predecessor?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I believe the War Office would encourage almost any range being established, but that does not relieve us of any responsibility for what may happen hereafter.