§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the thousand yards' rifle range at Runnymede is about to be offered for sale by auction for building purposes; and whether, having regard to the fact that it is almost the only rifle range so near the Metropolis, and with a view to prevent the 40,000 troops therein being deprived of facilities for rifle shooting, he sees his way to adopt the unanimous suggestions of the Volunteer Officers' Parliamentary Committee, and urge the acquisition of Runnymede upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
BRODRICKThis matter has been already carefully considered, but great difficulty has been caused by the Volunteer Commanding Officers having rejected the offer of the London County Council to contribute, as we understood, some £70,000 towards the cost of a range. This has thrown on the War Office a charge of about £145,000 for the purchase and construction of extensive ranges at Rainham, which will 351 find accommodation for a large number of the Metropolitan Volunteer Corps, as well as for regular forces and militia. The cost of Runnymede is estimated at £60,000 to £100,000. Had the Volunteer Commanding Officers accepted the offer of the London County Council, the Government would have been able to assist largely in its purchase, although it is not required for regulars or militia.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTWill the right hon. Gentleman refer the matter back again to the Commanding Officers?
§ MR. BRODRICKAgainst my strong suggestion, they refused the offer of the London County Council many months ago, and I am not aware that the Council is now willing to renew it.