HC Deb 23 March 1900 vol 81 cc171-2
MR. MIDDLEMORE (Birmingham, N.)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether either explosive or expanding bullets have been sent to South Africa for the use of the troops there or for any other purpose.

*MR. WYNDHAM

The bullet in use in South Africa for the rifle is the Mark II. solid bullet. Mark V. bullets were recalled, and have never been used by the troops. Neither have any Dum-Dum bullets been used by the troops.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Is it not the fact that an enormous number of Mark IV., hollow - nosed, expanding bullets were sent out to the troops in South Africa?

*MR. WYNDHAM

No, Sir. That cannot be the fact. I think the hon. Member knows the facts. The Mark IV. bullet was the regulation bullet, and the original garrison in South Africa had it; but it was recalled, and it has never been used in this campaign.

MR. DILLON

My question is whether, as a matter of fact, many millions of the Mark IV. bullet were not in the hands of the troops in South Africa.

*MR. WYNDHAM

They were recalled, without being used. That means that they were placed in the magazines.

MR. DILLON

But they were not brought back to England?

*MR. WYNDHAM

That I am not aware of.

MR. JEFFREYS (Hampshire, Basingstoke)

Have explosive bullets been used by the Boers in this war?

[No answer was returned.]