§ MR. WILLIAM RUTHERFORDI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, on 212 Saturday, February 24th last, a preliminary practice of mobilisation for the defence of the Mersey was carried out under the direction of Colonel Kelly, R.E., and that four Volunteer battalions were extended on the two shores of the Mersey, and were under arms from 1.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m., and that the whole of these troops were supplied with ball cartridge for the purpose of these manœuvres; and whether he will, in the future, take stops to prevent such a danger to the public.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. HALDANE,) HaddingtonIt is considered that mobilisation practice in coast defence work should approximate as nearly as possible to service conditions. These conditions entail practice in drawing the necessary ammunition. Special instructions were issued to guard against any danger to the public. I think that the Volunteers may be trusted to prevent men firing ball cartridge indiscriminately and without orders.