HC Deb 21 March 1905 vol 143 cc639-40
MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the cottages at the back of Whitchurch Range, which preclude rifle practice there, were in existence at the time of the construction of the range, and what was the date of that construction; if so, whether the officer responsible for the plan has been censured or his promotion retarded.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The cottages alluded to were known by the officers responsible to be in existence at the time of the construction of the range, but they were not considered to be within the danger area. The range was constructed in June, 1902. Recent experiments with the Lee-Metford rifle have given a greater knowledge of the powers and extent of ricochet shots than was possessed at the time this range was constructed. Further inquiry will be made as to the degree of responsibility attaching to the officers concerned in the selection of the range.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

May I ask whether the name of the officer who constructed this range at a cost of £5,000 is known? When I last put the Question the right hon. Gentleman promised to make inquiry.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Of course the name is known, but I am very loth to mention the names of officers.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

Do I understand that inquiry will be made as to whether this officer is blameworthy?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I have said that inquiry will be made.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

Then I will put the Question again.