HC Deb 30 October 1912 vol 43 cc431-2
32. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the War Office authorities have given official sanction for Sunday rifle practice; if he has received any protest against the same from the Free Church Council; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

Members of the Territorial Force are permitted to carry out rifle practice on Sundays under certain stringent restrictions which I have already explained to the House. Yesterday I had the advantage of a full discussion of this question with the members of deputations from the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the National Council of the Evangelical Free Churches.

Mr. KEBTY-FLETCHER

Is not the practice of rifle shooting on Sundays condemned by those who prostitute the pulpit by preaching Radicalism?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a question the hon. Member can ask himself and give his own answer. It has nothing whatever to do with the question on the Paper.