§ Mr. LEACHasked the Secretary of State For War if Sunday shooting by Territorials is necessary because the Government will not provide sufficient shooting ranges?
§ Colonel SEELYI cannot accept the statement of cause and effect suggested in my hon. Friend's question.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has seen the confidential circular to the members of the Wolverhampton Territorial Force, signed by H. B. C. Dent, lieutenant-colonel, officer commanding, North Midland Field Ambulance, and dated 16th February, 1914, asking whether they are willing to enrol themselves as special constables for the protection of drill halls, stores, etc., in the event of a riot taking place or being reasonably apprehended, and enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope for reply; whether he can say by whose authority this circular has been issued; and whether it is any part of the duty of a military officer to enrol special constables, or whether that is the duty of the civil authorities?
§ Colonel SEELYI have not seen the particular document referred to. It was considered necessary that, in order to preserve life and property, steps should be taken to provide adequate protection for armouries and magazines belonging to the1966W Territorial Force in time of emergency, and instructions were issued from the War Office accordingly. The duty of enrolling special constables falls upon the civil authorities.