§ MR. MUNTZasked the Secretary of State for War, If his attention has been called to the Report of the French Special Commission presided over by Marshal Canrobert, in which it has been virtually decided to abolish the use of the sword-bayonet; and if, in face of that decision, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to persist in the adoption of this weapon?
MR. GATHORNE HARDY, in reply, said, his attention had not been called to the Report referred to in the Question of the hon. Member. He was not in possession of the document, nor had it been sent to the War Office, and he was therefore unaware of the decision which had been arrived at. He might add that Her Majesty's Government had come to no absolute decision as to the adoption of the sword-bayonet.