§ MR. MUNTZsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, If it is intended to proceed with the manufacture of the Henry-Martini rifle otherwise than for trial; and, if he is aware that very grave doubts are entertained by competent parties as to the durability of the mechanism of the presumed improvement?
§ CAPTAIN VIVIAN, in reply, said, it was not intended to proceed with the manufacture of the Henry-Martini rifles till they had been tested in the hands of the troops; therefore 200 rifles would be distributed among small portions of the troops quartered in various parts of the world, so that the efficiency of the weapon might be tested in all ways and circumstances. As to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, the authorities were not aware of any doubts as to the permanency of the weapon, and those whose duty it was to test it saw no reason to entertain such doubts.
1371§ LORD ELCHOsaid, he wished to ask if any test were to be used for the cartridge as well as for the rifle?
CAPTAIN VIVIANsaid, that it was intended to apply further tests to the efficiency of the cartridge, so as to obtain the best possible cartridge for the rifle.