HC Deb 04 April 1911 vol 23 cc1982-3
Mr. HAMERSLEY

asked whether the difficulty in obtaining extended accommodation for rifle ranges for use by the Territorial Forces consists in the War Office not having been able to select suitable land for ranges, or, having selected it, in not having the necessary funds available with which to purchase it and to construct the ranges thereon; how many rifle ranges were available for use by the Territorial Forces, independently of those used by the Regular Forces, at the date when the Territorial Forces were first organised; in how many instances has land been acquired for the use of the Territorial Forces, independently of those used by the Regular Forces, since the first organisation of the Territorial Forces; how many rifle ranges used by the Territorial Forces have been closed since the organisation of those forces, and how many of that number were closed owing to their proximity to golf links; how many rifle ranges are there now available for use by the Territorial Forces that are also used by the Regular Forces; and how many of those ranges used only by Territorial Forces are situated in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively?

Colonel SEELY

With regard to the last part of the question of the ranges used only by the Territorial Force, 416 are in England, 362 in Scotland and 83 in Wales. With regard to the remainder of the question I have no further information beyond that given in reply to the hon. Gentleman on 23rd March.

Mr. HAMERSLEY

May I ask whether that reply will be published or not? It was not published, and that is the reason of my bringing it on again.

Colonel SEELY

I have the answer here, as taken from the Official Report.

Mr. PEEL

Is not the number of ranges in England, compared with Scotland, very small, considering the relative population of the two countries, and the numbers of the Territorial Force?

Colonel SEELY

I cannot do the sum in my head, but there are 416 in England, 362 in Scotland, and 83 in Wales, and certainly that would appear to show there are a great number in Scotland. I would not like to say what the proportion is.