HC Deb 10 March 1871 vol 204 cc1768-9
COLONEL C. H. LINDSAY

asked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, What is the reason why Volunteer battalions who had received Snider breech-loading rifles are, in many instances, kept waiting for days and weeks, after application, before they receive any ammunition, blank or ball, which is so necessary for practice and instruction before Easter?

SIR HENRY STORKS

Sir, I am not aware of any delay having taken place in the issue of ammunition, nor have I been able, on inquiry, to discover that any requisitions have been non-complied with. But if my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to give me privately the names of the battalions which have complained, I will cause inquiry to be instantly made on the subject. There are ample stocks of ammunition in store everywhere.

COLONEL C. H. LINDSAY

I can inform the right hon. Gentleman that the 37th and 39th battalions were kept waiting for ammunition for five weeks.