§ MR. MACALEESEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, if the negotiations for securing a rifle range at Rossmore Park, county Monaghan, have been broken off; and if so, would he consider the advisability of renewing them in the interest of the Military Service; is he aware that the proposed range at Rossmore possessed exceptional advantages in offering a ground on which practice could be continued in all weathers without those drawbacks which affect ranges on the seashore; also that there is a never-failing supply of good water on the range, and that the ground is peculiarly suited for the erection of huts or buildings to accommodate troops; and, if he will give further consideration to this important matter before finally resolving to abandon the scheme?
§ MR. BRODRICKA site for a rifle range in Rossmore Park was offered to the military authorities in Ireland last year; but, after careful examination of the ground, they did not consider that it offered such advantages as to render its acquisition desirable. The provision of a range is being considered.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)Was it on the ground of price?
§ MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir, it was not on the ground of price, but of the unsuitability of the rifle range.