§ EARL PERCYasked the Secretary of State for War, Why the issue of ammunition for small arms to the Volunteer Artillery has been suspended, while the Rifle Volunteers have for some months past been supplied both with Sniders and ammunition; when the Volunteer Artillery will receive the new weapon, and whether it is to be the Enfield or Carbine Snider; and, whether the 40-pounder Armstrongs will be issued in time for the Volunteers to learn and be inspected in the drill of those guns this season; and whether they will be given in lieu of some of the 32-pounder smoothbore garrison guns to all Volunteer Artillery, or only to corps which can horse them as guns of position?
§ SIR HENRY STORKSSir, there has been no suspension in the issue of small arm ammunition to the Volunteer Artillery that I am aware of; but if the noble Lord will favour me with the details of any delays that may have occurred inquiry shall be instituted. With reference to the second part of the Question, when the Volunteer Artillery will receive the new weapon and what it will be, I answered it last night. As to the third portion of the Question, it is proposed to issue a battery of 40-pounder Armstrong guns to each district, to be moved about for the instruction of Volunteers in such manner as may be recommended by the Lieutenant Colonel of Royal Artillery to be appointed to each district.