HC Deb 19 July 1983 vol 46 cc83-4W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will list in the Official Report (a) the charges

Financial year Outdoor (gallery) ranges Indoor ranges
1980–81 £3 per half day £2 for each occasion of use
1981–82 £1 per half day per target (3½hrs) £6 per session (2 hrs)
1982–83 (April to August) Rates for financial year 1981–82 applied
1 September 1982 £1.10 per half day per target (3½hrs) £6.60 per session (2 hrs)
1983–84 £1.15 per half day per target £7 per session (2 hrs)

These range fees are VAT inclusive. If they meet certain conditions laid down by HM Customs and Excise, civilian rifle clubs may pay VAT exempt charges—at the following rates: Outdoor (gallery) ranges=£0.95 per half day per target =£5.80 per 2 hour session Separate charges are being recovered for overtime worked by range wardens, for unfair wear and tear and for damage to facilities.

In addition, clubs are required to pay a licence preparation fee, which now stands at £5 plus VAT, and an additional sum to cover the cost of insurance. The licence preparation fee in 1972 stood at £2.25. It was raised to £3 in 1975 and raised again to £5 in 1980. When the insurance charge was introduced in February 1981, it was set at £2 for each event. It was reduced on 1 July 1982 to £1 for each event and it was further reduced on 1 July 1983 to 80p.

(b) The percentage change in the charges have from financial year 1981–82 been generally in line with the current rate of inflation: a movement upwards of 10 per cent. for financial year 1982–83 and a 5 per cent. increase for financial year 1983–84 on the charges.

(c) I am not aware of any representations being received in the Department on the latest uprating of charges.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will institute a sliding scale of charges for hire of Army, Territorial Army and cadet rifle ranges by rifle associations to take account of the size and facilities of the ranges.

Mr. Stanley

[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: I am considering this possibility.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many rifle associations have failed to renew subscriptions for hiring Army rifle ranges, including Territorial Army and cadet ranges, since the last increase in charges (a) nationally and (b) in East Anglia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: This information is not available centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what factors are taken into account when determining to rifle associations for the use of Army, Territorial Army and cadet ranges for each year since 1972, (b) the percentage change in each case and (c) what representations he has received on the latest uprating in such charges.

Mr. Stanley

[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: (a) A nominal charge of 5p per head per year was raised in the period 1972 to 1980 for use of all service ranges. From 1 April 1980, when it was decided that the charges should more closely reflect the cost involved, the charges have been as follows:

charges for the hire of Army, Territorial Army and cadet rifle ranges by rifle associations; and whether the views of such users are sought.

Mr. Stanley

[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: The basis for these charges is the cost of running a number of sample ranges, but this figure is discounted to reflect the Ministry of Defence's interest in the long standing relationship between the services and the Rifle Associations. Both the National Rifle Association and the National Small-bore Rifle Association are consulted before charges are promulgated.

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