HC Deb 18 May 1914 vol 62 cc1577-8
60. Mr. PATRICK MEEHAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a permanent training camp, which will be available next year, has been selected in Wicklow for the battalions of the Special Reserve that were hitherto trained at the Heath camp, Maryborough, Queen's County; whether it is intended sending-these battalions, as a temporary expedient, for training to Cork this year; if the sending of the battalions to Cork will involve an extra cost of £1,000; and whether, taking into consideration the extra cost involved and the fact that since last year's training a considerable sum has been spent on improving the range at the Heath camp, he will consider the desirability of abandoning the temporary expedient and retain the battalions on the Heath camp this year, especially in view of a permanent camp being established in Wicklow next year?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The facts are substantially as stated by the hon. Member. The reasons for discontinuing Special Reserve trainings at Heath Camp, Maryborough, are the inadequacy of the range and training accommodation.

Mr. P. MEEHAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any other reason for moving these troops from a part of Ireland with which they have been so long associated?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir; not that I am aware of. It is entirely owing to the inadequacy of the range and the accommodation.