§ DR. TANNER (Cork, Mid)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the muzzle velocity of the 27 Lee-Metford rifle is inferior to all rifles in the hands of European Powers; that the alleged irregular qualities of the cordite powder, the way in which the Lee-Metfords are sighted, and the complicated reloading, have been repeatedly evidenced in the course of the present war; whether the English rifle and ammunition are each heavier than the United States Navy, the German Mauser, and the Männlicher weapons and whether, as stated, it has the worst trajectory, the least penetration, the slowest fire once the magazine is emptied the weakest breech bolt, least rigid woodwork, the worst trigger-pull, and worst sights compared with the above-mentioned rifles; and if it is the most expensive of any service weapon.
*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS (for Mr. WYNDHAM)The replies to paragraphs 1 and 3 of the question are in the negative. In regard to the second paragraph our rifle is heavier than some and lighter than other magazine rifles; there are many patterns of Männlichers and Mausers. Our ammunition is rather lighter than the average ammunition of other nations.