§ MR. P. FFRENCH (Wexford, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether the experience of the past two years has proved that the Dun-cannon rifle range, county Wexford, which the Government holds under lease, is well suited for the new or Lee-Metford rifle; and, whether the companies of the 2nd Battalion East India Regiment, stationed at Kilkenny and Waterford, will be sent as usual to Dun-cannon for musketry practice; if not, whether he will take steps to prevent this range remaining unused when the recruits who are now practising there have finished their course?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.The range at Duncannon is safe for the Lee-Metford rifle; but it is not suitable for all practices, and at certain states of the tide it cannot be used. Arrangements have been made for the 2nd Battalion East Kent Regiment (which is presumed to be the battalion referred to in the Question) to fire this year at Kilworth, where the ample space allows of several battalions carrying out military exercises together.