HC Deb 28 July 1870 vol 203 cc1091-2
COLONEL LINDSAY

said, in the absence of his hon. and gallant Friend (Major Walker), he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the case that several Regiments of the Queen's Army, now stationed in India are still armed with the old muzzle-loading rifle, and that the drafts of their Regiments, having previously been instructed in the use of the breech-loading rifle in England, are compelled, on joining in India, to learn the use of that discarded weapon?

MR. CARDWELL

Sir, some of the regiments stationed in India are still armed with muzzle-loaders, and the rule laid down by the India Office is, that recruits going to those regiments go without weapons, and receive the weapons of their regiments on their arrival in India. Regiments going out to India carry with them the Snider rifle.