§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that a Bill has recently been introduced into the House of Commons for the purpose of confirming a Provisional Order for the compulsory purchase of ground adjacent to the 424 shore at Prestwick and Newton-on-Ayr, under The Military Lands Act, 1892, is he aware that the Kingcase Rifle Range, which it is sought to perpetuate by means of this purchase, has been declared by the Supreme Court to be a nuisance and danger to the public; and, seeing that the owners and ratepayers of Prestwick and neighbourhood have presented a petition pointing out that the range interferes with the development and prosperity of the place, will he consider the expediency of having it abandoned in favour of the range now in use at Irvine, which offers facilities for Volunteers, and is accessible from Prestwick both by omnibus and by trains at reduced rates for Volunteers.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe hon. Member is evidently unaware that this Bill has been introduced for the express purpose of removing any possible danger. As the Bill will shortly be considered in Committee, I cannot discuss its terms in a reply to a Question, nor am I prepared to surrender any rights the Volunteers may have in this range.