§ MR. COURTHOPEI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that for a number of years past representative shooting teams from Canada, Australia, and other Colonies have visited England, and that the Colonial Governments have made grants in aid of the expenses of the teams representing their respective Colonies; and whether, in view of the above facts, he will make a grant in aid of the expenses of the team representing the Mother Country which, for the first time, will shortly visit Canada and Australia.
§ The following Question also appeared on the Paper:—
§ MR. COURTHOPEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is is aware that, for a number of years past, representative shooting teams from Canada. Australia, and other Colonies have visited England, and that the Colonial Governments have granted separation allowance to the non-commissioned officers and men forming part of such teams; and whether, in view of the above facts, he will afford similar facilities to the non-commissioned officers and men of the team representing the Mother Country which, for the first time, will shortly visit Canada and Australia.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (MR. BUCHANAN, Perthshire, E.)The War Office has no information with regard to the payment of separation allowances by the Colonial Governments. The entire expense of the visit of the British team to the Colonies will be borne by' the National Rifle Association.
§ MR. COURTHOPEasked whether the hon. Gentleman intended to answer the Question addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (MR. ASQUITH, Fifeshire, E.)I have no information on the subject.
§ MR. R. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire, Grovan)Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what is the practice of the Australian Government in these matters?
§ MR. ASQUITHI do not know, Sir. I will see if it is possible to get the information.
§ MR. COURTHOPE:asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he was aware that inquiries were made some months ago by the War Office as to what was the practice of the Australian Government.
§ MR. BUCHANANWhether inquiries were made or not I am not prepared to state, but we have no information whatever as to what the practice of the Australian Government is. The Secretary of 1342 State gave his assent to a portion of the Regular Forces forming part of the team for Canada and Australia, but on this condition, that no part of the expense involved should be borne by the War Office.
§ MR. COURTHOPEAm I to understand then that the Government wish to discourage rifle shooting?
§ MR. BUCHANANNo, certainly not.