HC Deb 20 March 1865 vol 177 cc1920-1
SIR FREDERIC SMITH

said, he rose to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, If he will lay on the table of the House the Reports of the Officers of the Rifle Brigade in reference to the Whit-worth Rifles with which the men of the Brigade are armed?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, in reply, that he had no objection to lay on the table the Report, or rather the substance of the Reports, made by the officers commanding the Rifle Battalions so soon as they were all received. At present, however, Reports had only come in from four or five out of the eight battalions armed with Whitworth rifles, and if these were produced before the others were ready, an imperfect view might possibly be given of the efficiency of the weapon.

SIR FREDERIC SMITH

said, he should be glad to know when the remainder of those Reports would be received.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, he could not tell.