HC Deb 26 February 1894 vol 21 c1021
COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War bow many Lee-Metford rifles are now in England and the Colonies, bow many in India, and how many have to be manufactured to make up the complement which the War Office consider necessary?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling, &c.

In India there are Lee-Metford rifles for the European troops and a reserve. In the Colonies the Infantry is armed with them, and at home there is an ample supply of arms for the Regulars and the Militia, and a large reserve in addition. It is not desirable in the public interests to answer the question more minutely.

MR. HANBURY (Preston)

Are all the Regulars at home armed with this rifle now?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

There is a sufficient supply of the weapon for all the Regulars at home.

MR. HANBURY

Is it not a fact that two or three battalions have not yet received it?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

If so, that is because they possess no range at which it can be used.

*MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

Have the troops in Scotland been supplied with the rifle?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I must ask for notice of that question.