§ MR. HAYTERsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether, having regard to the increased danger to life from the use of Breech-loaders in the hands of Soldiers either insane or of intemperate habits, as evidenced by the recent occurrences at Horfield Barracks, near Bristol, he will undertake to advise with his Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief, as to the propriety of withdrawing the twenty rounds of Ball Cartridge now in the possession of all Non-commissioned Officers and Men of the British Army, and of serving out the same to the Troops on parade when about to proceed on military duty?
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, in reply, that he had not had the opportunity of seeing the Commander-in-Chief upon the subject to which the hon. Member's Question related. Stating merely his individual opinion, he thought the occurrence of a single crime, however atrocious and much to be deplored, would not be cause sufficient for taking a step which would be felt as a slur by the whole Army, the ammunition having from time to time been confided to the care of soldiers.