23. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Territorial and Auxiliary units in East Cheshire have no reasonable facilities for rifle practice; and if he will consider providing a .303 rifle range in this area.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Michael Stewart)No, Sir. Adequate range facilities exist in East Cheshire for the training of the Territorial and auxiliary forces units located there.
Air Commodore HarveyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he is quite wrong and that those who want to practise long-range firing have to travel 50 miles at their own expense? How can he expect to get recruits and others interested when they are put to this inconvenience? Will he look into the matter again?
§ Mr. StewartThe information of the hon. and gallant Member conflicts with mine on this matter, but if he will pursue the matter with me, I will look into it.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these rifles issued to Territorial units are most inaccurate and that therefore training with them is rather pointless?
§ Mr. StewartPerhaps the hon. Member will put that on the Order Paper, as it seems to be another question.