HC Deb 23 March 1896 vol 38 cc1589-90
COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether perfect assimilation is arrived at in the process of cordite manufacture at Waltham Abbey?

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

Yes, Sir.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War—(1), if any reserve of cordite is kept in Egypt; and (2), whether the North Staffordshire Regiment, under orders for Wady Halfa, are in possession of an adequate supply?

MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS

The reply to both portions of the Question is in the affirmative.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, if the reserve of ammunition in India is mainly composed of black powder; and, what per cent. of cartridges are there of black powder over cordite?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

As cordite has not been issued to the Native Army, the reserve of ammunition in India is mainly composed of black powder. I am afraid I cannot say what is the percentage of such cartridges over those made of cordite.