HC Deb 20 February 1894 vol 21 cc847-8
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to convert the 350,000 inefficient Lee-Metford, "mark I star," magazine rifles, now in store and in the hands of the troops, to mark 2; if so, when, and at what cost per rifle?

MR. WOODALL

(who replied) said: I must refer the hon. Member to the reply he received on May 15 last, to the effect that the mark I Lee-Metford rifle does not admit of conversion to mark 2. The "mark I star" Indicates that the latest approved modifications which can be made applicable to mark I have been carried out. Experience has satisfied us that the mark I so modified and known as "mark I star" is a thoroughly serviceable weapon.

MR. WEIR

Is not "mark I star" supplied with a bolt-head fixed with a three-sixteenth inch screw? Could not that be altered?

MR. WOODALL

I cannot pretend to give an answer on such details without notice. I can tell the hon. Member that this "mark I star" rifle has now been in the hands of the troops a considerable time, and in their opinion it is a thoroughly satisfactory service weapon.

MR. WEIR

Is it not the fact that 15 per cent. of these rifles have been returned by one regiment?

MR. WOODALL

I have not heard of anything of the kind.

MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether anything has been done to prevent erosion of the barrel of the Lee-Metford magazine rifle using cartridges loaded with cordite powder and nickel covered bullets?

MR. WOODALL

(who replied) said: This matter is receiving careful consideration; but at present none of the suggested alterations have met the case.