HC Deb 30 July 1896 vol 43 c1029
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in shooting with the Lee-Metford rifle (magazine attached) the cartridges usually jam in blank firing, and occasionally in ball practice, rendering the rifle useless; and whether he would consider the possibility of modifying the magazine and breech action to obviate this danger?

* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL - WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

No complaints of ball cartridge jamming have been received since the present spring was introduced, more than four years ago. Blank cartridge is not intended to be passed through the magazine of the Lee-Metford Rifle, as the absence of the bullet renders the cartridge an imperfect fit.