MILITARY MANŒUVRES ACT, 1897. (ORDER IN COUNCIL.) (Hansard, 13 May 1909)

§ Mr. CARLILE

There are some questions I should like to ask with reference to this Order in Council. It appears to provide for manœuvres taking place subsequent to 15th July. I merely want to know whether the question of the protection of the crops and pastures will be duly considered and provided for. There are various other matters which it is meet to consider. The area referred to is a very large one, and although personally I am entirely in favour of military manœuvres and of access to various parts of the country for the purpose of carrying them out, at the same time we have to bear in mind such questions as the speed of motor cars used in connection with the manœuvres, which may, if not conducted under the usual restrictions, interfere considerably with the general traffic in the district. I do not know whether that has been thought of before. If a restriction is not placed on the movements of these messengers, there will be a tendency to excessive speed. The tendency will be for motorists to conduct themselves very much in the same way as mounted messengers used to do. Over a 2135 great area like that which is scheduled, there should be sufficient provision for the movement of the ordinary traffic, and also provision for the protection of the lives of those who may be moving about in this area. Then, what arrangements have been made for compensation for damages to crops, young growing trees, and hedges, and for compensation in the event of the accidental firing of stacks? I should also like to ask whether it is proposed to have all the troops under canvas and the horses picketed, or whether it is proposed to carry out the provisions embodied this year in the new provisions of the Army (Annual) Bill for billeting—whether it is proposed to billet any of the troops in private houses, or whether it is intended to confine any billeting, both of horses and of troops, to licensed premises and hotels within the district? I think it rather undesirable that this Motion should be taken after 11 o'clock, and on the fourth day of the week, in which most of us have been kept out of our beds for a very considerable part of every night. But at the same time I suppose that the intention was that the Motion should slip through without any Debate or any question being asked upon it. That was an extremely likely thing to arise. But I think it only fair to those who are likely to be using the roads and occupying the area scheduled that these questions should be asked and some explanations given, and with that view I mention the matters, and I trust that the right hon. Gentleman will give me the assurances that I desire.

Notice taken that 40 Members were not present. House counted, and 40 Members not being present,