asked the Surveyor General of Ordnance, Whether the Government are taking any steps to provide the troops at Colchester with a rifle range?

In answer, Sir, to my hon. and gallant Friend, I have to state that endeavours are being made to obtain a suitable rifle range for the troops at Colchester on reasonable terms. Tenders for land for the purpose have been advertised for, but one only was received, at £800 a-year, with an immediate payment of £500. We are now making inquiries as to the possibility of obtaining on terms which can be entertained certain rights over land adjacent to the War Department property, which is in itself hardly sufficient in extent.