§ MR. R. W. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Militia battalions now armed with the Lee-Metford rifle use black powder for their musketry course this year; whether the battalions of the Line similarly continue to use black powder; and whether it is intended to use up the large quantity of black powder in stock in the case of either the Militia or Line battalions before using in their musketry course the powder (cordite) for which their rifles are sighted?
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling BurghsExcept as regards Line battalions at home, the answer to each of the three parts of the question is affirmative. There is in stock a large quantity of black powder cartridges; and this is, practically, the only way of using them. An allowance for different strength is easily made with respect to the sighting.
§ MR. HANBURYWill the right hon. Gentleman let me have that answer to read? I have not heard a word of it.
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not think that was my fault.
§ *MR. CAMPBELL BANNERMANI cannot answer that question.