7. Surgeon Lieut. - Commander Reginald Bennettasked the Secretary of State for War why since August, 1949, the charge levied upon the Solent Home Guard Rifle Club, of Swanwick, Hampshire, for the use of the Browndown range has been increased from 1s. per head to between £6 and £10 for each occasion.
§ Mr. StracheyThe Solent Home Guard Rifle Club are still charged 1s. per member per year for the use of Browndown range. Additional charges are raised when the use of ranges by civilian rifle clubs entails additional expense such as the payment of overtime to range wardens or look-outs employed beyond their normal hours. I understand, however, that only one such charge has been raised against the Solent Home Guard Rifle Club and that this charge was cancelled when it was ascertained that a cadet unit had been using the range at the same time.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is somewhat exorbitant to charge the Solent Home Guard Rifle Club large sums in terms of pounds for services which they are willing to carry out when they are on at weekends or at other convenient times?
§ Mr. StracheyNone of these additional charges has actually been made on the rifle club. If the club wish to put up a proposition as to when they can undertake these extra duties and so obviate the expense I am sure it can be considered.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettWill the right hon. Gentleman accept some approach from me on the subject?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, Sir.