§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether it was the fact, as stated by the Times Indian correspondent on 25th February, that "of 500 swords of the Madras Cavalry recently tested half were broken or bent"; if so, what number so tested were defective; and what proportion of the swords and bayonets in the hands of British and Native troops in India have been submitted to a Government test, and what proportion of those so tested have proved defective?
LORD HENRY BRUCEasked the Secretary of State for War whether the statement is substantially correct that out of 500 swords of the Madras Cavalry recently tested, half were broken or bent; and, if so, who is to blame?
SIR J. E. GORSTThe Secretary of State has no information on this subject, but has telegraphed for a full Report to be sent by an early mail, which will, when received, answer the inquiries of the hon. Member and of the noble Lord.
MR. MAC NEILLWill the hon. Gentleman be kind enough to give the names of the contractors who supplied the swords, and also state whether the swords were made in England or India?
SIR J. E. GORSTThe Secretary of State has already telegraphed to India for information, and is awaiting an answer.