Lord HENRY BRUCE (Wilts, Chip-penham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the published statement is correct, that 60 per cent of the bayonets of the Inniskilling Fusiliers, when tested by experts, were condemned, as totally unfit for use; and, if he would consider the expediency, after the experiences of the Egyptian Campaigns, of having the whole of the bayonets belonging to the Regular and Auxiliary Forces thoroughly tested?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPEThe Inniskilling Fusiliers have just returned from service abroad, and as usual their arms have been thoroughly overhauled; 25 per cent of the bayonets failed under the tests recently prescribed; and about 30 per cent were condemned for being too small at the point, or otherwise imperfect. The arms of all Regular Forces at home are thoroughly tested every year, and those of the Auxiliary Forces in regular succession.