§ MR. STACPOOLEsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to two recent instances of a Non-commissioned Officer, whilst in the execution of his duty, having been shot by a private Soldier; whether he is not of opinion that the perpetration of these crimes was facilitated by the custom of leaving ball ammunition in the possession of Soldiers; and, whether he considers that the efficiency of the Army would be impaired by the adoption of a system under which Soldiers would be in possession of ball ammunition only during the time when the duty they may be employed upon necessitates their being furnished with it?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, this question was raised last Session of Parliament, and the decision then taken was to adhere to the existing practice. I think, however, it is impossible to deny that the constant possession of ball cartridge does give facility in a time of excitement for the perpretation of those crimes which we have occasion to deplore. I shall lose no time in considering what regulations it may be expedient to adopt for the purpose of obviating this evil; and my hon. Friend may rest assured that those regulations will be framed in such a manner as not to impair the efficiency of the Army.