SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, if, having regard to the desire in portions of the country to establish cadet corps and rifle clubs with a view to the preparation of boys and young men for the use of the rifle in the case of national necessity, the Secretary of State will consider the formation of a special department to draw up rules for such cadet corps and rifle clubs, and to provide for their encouragement, efficiency, and periodical inspection.
§ *MR. WYNDHAMRegulations for cadet corps are already in existence, and are contained in the Volunteer regulations. Rifle clubs are to be affiliated to and placed under the supervision of the National Rifle Association. There does not, therefore, appear to be any need for the special Department suggested.
§ MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)Then is it intended that the rifle clubs shall be managed entirely by themselves, independently of the War Office?
§ *MR. WYNDHAMThey will be entirely voluntary associations for the practice of rifle shooting, and will receive certain facilities from the Government. They stand in no need of disciplinary rules.
§ GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)Is any encouragement to be afforded for the establishment of cadet corps?
§ *MR. WYNDHAMMy hon. and gallant friend will find the facilities laid down in the Volunteer regulations.
§ MR. TOMLINSONSurely a certain amount of discipline is required, even in rifle practice.
§ *MR. WYNDHAMI believe that the National Rifle Association have succeeded in conducting competitions at Bisley for years without any necessity for intervention on our part.