HC Deb 30 March 1871 vol 205 cc888-9
MR. HEADLAM

asked the Secretary of State for War, When the issue of Breech-loading Small Arms to Artillery Volunteers will be commenced, and what time will be required to complete the issue; and, whether the issue will be arranged according to a roll showing the per centage of efficients in the various corps?

MR. CARDWELL

The artillery have been the last armed with the rifle, because their weapon is the heavy gun. It is intended to issue the ordinary rifle in the order of their efficiency as artillerists, and the issue will commence as soon as the other forces are armed—that is, shortly, and will occupy from one to two months.