§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on the use of military miniature rifle ranges by civilian clubs; and what are the reasons for recent substantial increases in rental charges.
§ Mr. GoodhartOur policy is to allow civilian clubs to use Service-controlled small-bore indoor ranges when they are not required for Service purposes. To do so the clubs must be affiliated to the National Small-Bore Rifle Association, consist of at least 10 members, and be approved by the Home Office on application by the NSRA. When a civilian club uses a range its members must comply with the range standing orders.
The charges for the use of Service ranges by civilian rifle clubs are to be increased following an investigation into the cost of running Service ranges. This showed that the charges previously made for the use of Service ranges bore little relationship to the cost of providing the facilities. The new charges represent less than the full cost of providing these facilities, but will recover a fair proportion of our costs, given the long-standing relationship between the Services, the NSRA and the benefits accruing to us as a result of the NSRA's activities. It is our intention to review the charges annually.