§ SIR HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN (Durham, S.E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, If he can state to the House, approximately, at what time the new repealing rifle lately decided upon for the Army will be in the hands of all the soldiers of the First and also of the Second Army Corps respectively; and, what probability there is of a further sufficient reserve being in store by the end of the present year for the rest of the Army?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Until a magazine rifle is recommended to me by my military advisers as suitable for adoption it is impossible to commence its manufacture. A certain number are just about to be issued to the troops for trial; and, in the meantime, preparations are being made for its manufacture if approved. There shall be no delay in pushing on the manufacture as soon as the rifle is finally adopted.