§ 13. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked the Secretary for War whether, in the year 1911, the annual camp of the Second Wessex Howitzer Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force), took place at West Down, Salisbury Plain, without gun practice; whether, in 1912, the annual camp was at Okehampton and gun practice took place; whether this brigade is to train at Larkhill, Salisbury Plain, again without gun practice this year; and, if so, will he explain why this brigade is to be allowed only one opportunity of firing in three years?
Mr. BAKERRange accommodation is allotted first to all brigades which have not practised the previous year, and such accommodation as may be available, after these brigades have been provided for, is allotted to those brigades for whom application is made. No application was received for the 2nd Wessex Brigade to carry out practice, either in 1911 or 1913.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLWill the hon. Gentleman answer the last paragraph of this question?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLSeeing that the Secretary for War at first denied that the brigade had only one opportunity of firing in three years, does he now admit it?
Mr. BAKERThey had firing practice in camp in 1912, but in 1911 and 1913 they failed to send in the ordinary application.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLIf the hon. Gentleman will refer to the answer the right hon. Gentleman gave——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not asking a question: he is arguing.