§ MR. SEXTON (for Mr. DWYER GRAL)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the bayonets now being tested are tested fixed on their rifles, as they would be used in actual war; and, if not, whether there is to be a second test, to ascertain how many rifles will stand the strain to which the surviving bayonets have been subjected?
THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF ORDNANCE (Mr. WOODALL) (who replied)said: The present trials have not been made with bayonets fixed to the rifles; but before the barrel of the Martini-Henry rifle was adopted it was subjected, with bayonet fixed, to so severe a test of its stability that no doubt is entertained of its power to withstand in that regard the roughest usage that may be expected during war. Consequently, no further test has been considered necessary.