HC Deb 17 February 1887 vol 310 cc1773-4
MR. WATT (Glasgow, Camlachie)

asked the Secretary of State for War, If the paragraph, which appeared in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday last, the 12th instant, as follows:— It is stated that the War Office Committee, appointed to consider the question of the adoption of a new rifle, held what was practically their last sitting yesterday, and have decided to recommend the Lee-Burton Magazine Rifle … is correct; and, if he is in a position to give the House any further information on the subject?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

No, Sir; the paragraph is not correct. No magazine rifle has yet been adopted; but trials, which we hope may be final, are about to take place. It is my earnest desire to arrive at a decision on this subject at the earliest date possible; and when I do, it will be communicated to the House.