SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet heard whether the War Office will accede to the request of the City Council of Sheffield, on the recommendation of the Watch Committee, that rifles be lent and practice ammunition be issued for the use of the City Police Force, and their preparation to augment the national forces in the event of invasion.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir M. WHITE RIDLEY,) Lancashire, BlackpoolI understand that the War Office are not prepared to grant special facilities to members of police forces over and above those afforded to members of rifle clubs affiliated to the National Rifle Association under the scheme which has recently come into operation. There does not appear to be anything to prevent members of police forces availing themselves of this scheme.