HC Deb 02 April 1935 vol 300 cc171-2
3. Mr. WEST

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the annoyance caused in the vicinity by the machine gun firing at Wormwood Scrubs on Sundays; and Whether he will endeavour to restrict the practice to week-days?

Mr. HACKING

It is only occasionally that firing takes place on this range on Sundays. It is limited to the hours 11 to 1 o'clock, and this is the first time that a complaint has been made. I am afraid that I cannot promise that the range will never be used on a Sunday, but efforts are made to restrict Sunday practice as far as possible.

Mr. WEST

Is the Minister aware that nurses on duty at night in the nearby hospital, and numerous patients in the hospital, are frequently very seriously disturbed by this firing; and does he not think that at least on humanitarian, if not on sabbatarian grounds, he might consider not having these practices on Sundays?

Mr. HACKING

As regards the humanitarian side, I should have thought that the objection would be just as great on, say, Monday or Fridays as on Sundays. I can promise, however, that we will use the range as seldom as possible on Sundays.

Mr. WEST

As regards the question of Sundays as against weekdays, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that, if these people are disturbed on six weekdays, they might be given a chance of sleeping on Sundays?

Mr. HACKING

This firing has only taken place on Sundays, so far as I know, on six or seven occasions since 1931.

Colonel GRETTON

May I ask what is the reason for conducting this firing practice on Sundays?

Mr. HACKING

In the case of troops of the Territorial Army it is very difficult for them to carry out practice on other days.