§ Mr. HAMERSLEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many rifle ranges have been obtained, and made available, for the use of the Regular and Territorial Forces since the 27th March, 1911, in addition to those that were in use at that date; has any land been purchased or acquired since the 27th March, 1911, for rifle ranges; if so, in what localities and at what price; have any rifle ranges that were in use on the 27th March, 1911, been closed since that date; and, if so, in what localities and for what reason?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)With regard to the first part of the question, fifteen additional open classification ranges will be available for use next musketry season, five of which are old ranges re-opened and adapted for modern conditions. With regard to the remainder of the question, land has been purchased at Newtown (Isle of Wight), Holcombe, and Purfleet, for about £20,000 in all. Firing rights have been acquired on annual agreements in various localities for the purpose of extending danger areas of existing ranges, and land has been acquired on annual tenancies for thirty yards ranges. Nine ranges have been closed for the following reasons:—
- Holyhead, Anglesea.—Agreement terminated by owner.
- Drws-y-nant, Merionethshire.—Agreement terminated by owner.
- Craig Fawr, Flintshire.—Agreement terminated by owner.
- Friezley, Kent.—Agreement terminated by owner.
- Greenfield Marsh, Flintshire.—Encroachment of sea.
- North Weald, Essex; Sandford, Dorset; Stoke Ferry, Norfolk.—Surrendered as it is proposed to use other ranges.
- Craigewan, Aberdeenshire.—Site sold by owner to town authorities of Peterhead, who require it for a golf club.