§ SIR THEODORE DOXFORD (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, having regard to the fact that at the Barry range muzzle-loading guns only are used in the competitions, whether it is the intention of Government to supply modern artillery for these competitions; and can he state when the Volunteers of the north-east coast will be supplied with breech-loading guns for ordinary drill and practice.
LORD STANLEYFour 5-inch breech-loading guns were issued to Barry Links range in March, 1899, and were used for practice last year. Eight 5-inch breech-loading guns have been issued to other stations on the north-east coast for drill and practice of Volunteers there, and eleven more will shortly be issued.