§ MR. D. A. THOMAS (Merthyr, Tydvil)asked the Secretary of State for War, Why the issue of the new magazine rifle, promised by him on May 7, was stopped; whether the War Office has received any information as to the failure of the Rubini cartridge in Switzerland, in consequence of the loose brass rings in which the bullet is seated blowing forward; whether the Swiss Military Authorities have determined to abandon the Rubini cartridge; and, whether the manufacture of such cartridge is now being proceeded with at Woolwich; and, if so, why?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)The issue of some of the new magazine rifles for final trial is now proceeding. I have no knowledge as to the failure of the Rubini cartridge in Switzerland. Cartridges are not yet being made at Woolwich for the magazine rifle for supply purposes; but several kinds, including the Rubini, have been made for experiment, and of these the best possible for the arm will be selected before entering on its regular manufacture.