§ MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary of 345 State for War how many Mark I Lee-Metford magazine rifles, fitted with the original defective bolt-head, have been recalled; how many are now in the hands of the troops; and when it is intended to call in all the Mark I. Pattern?
§ *MR. W. WOODALLIt is not admitted that the bolt-head in Mark I is defective. In the original issue there was a defective screw, but that having been replaced, no further cause of complaint has arisen. In the Mark II. rifle an improved bolt is used, but the original bolt-head is quite serviceable. Therefore no rifles have been recalled on account of the bolt-head, and it is not proposed to recall any, or to alter the rifles of Mark I. (now known in consequence of certain other alterations as Mark I.*) which are in store.