§ SIR CARNE RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether land at Aveley, Essex, has been acquired for ranges at from £100 in one case, to £170 per acre in the other; and will he say why land in Essex, which usually sells for £10 to £15 per acre, was not bought for the War Office.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe selection of a site for extensive ranges for the use of Metropolitan Volunteer Corps has proved a matter of great difficulty, and while no doubt land can be procured in Essex at the prices mentioned, it has not been found possible to obtain large tracts suitable for the purpose or within easy access of London so cheaply as my hon. and gallant friend supposes. The prices paid were determined by arbitration, and the figures given in the Question are approximately correct.
§ SIR CARNE RASCHI hope the next time the right hon. Gentleman wants to buy land he will inform me. There are many who will be glad to accommodate him.