§ Mr. WATT (for Mr. Godfrey Collins)asked the Secretary of State for War whether he could arrange that the gun practice from Ardhallow battery during the week commencing 18th July could be postponed till a later date, so as to avoid danger to life during the Clyde holiday week?
§ Mr. AINSWORTHalso asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he was aware that the Clyde was largely used for excursion, sailing, and boating parties during the Glasgow holiday week; and whether he could arrange that the firing from the Ardhallow fort should be suspended during that time?
§ Mr. HALDANEI will reply to these two questions together. The dates for the practice of the Territorial Royal Garrison Artillery companies at Ardhallow are chosen so as to permit as many men as possible to attend training and gun practice without interfering with their civil occupation. The gun practice from Ardhallow Battery will be arranged so as not to interfere with the Royal Western Yacht Club races on 18th July.
§ Mr. AINSWORTHWe are greatly obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for the arrangement he has made for one day, but will he consider the advisability of extending it to the whole of the week?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am afraid I cannot give that undertaking, as gun practice is a vital matter, but every care will be taken.
§ Mr. WATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gun practice is for the advantage of the few and the disadvantage of the many?