§ MR. BRODRICK (Surrey, Guildford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for the issue of the magazine rifle to the Militia before the next training, and especially to those battalions contained in the Third Army Corps; and whether he will undertake that the Martini-Henry rifles withdrawn from the Militia which require new barrels shall be fitted with the .303 barrel, to form a reserve of, arms of the same gauge as the magazine rifle?
§ MR. WOODALL (who replied), said: It is proposed to arm the whole of the Militia with the Lee-Metford rifle in the course of next year, and as far as possible before the training. With regard to the large number of Martini-Henry rifles in store, experiments are under consideration with a view to rendering them available for use with the Lee-Metford ammunition.
§ MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)Have the Government in contemplation the arming of the Volunteers with the magazine rifle? If so, when will it be done?
§ MR. WOODALLYes, Sir; I cannot give the exact time, but it will be within a reasonable time.