HC Deb 30 April 1901 vol 93 cc255-6
MR. COURTENAY WARNER (Staffordshire, Lichfield)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state when the Militia will have the new rifle issued to them; and if regiments of Militia having worn-out rifles will be provided with new ones be ore their annual musketry practice takes place.

LORD STANLEY

No new pattern of rifle has been adopted. The officer commanding a Militia battalion is responsible for seeing that arms which have become unserviceable are replaced.

MR. COURTENAY WARNER

Perhaps the word "unserviceable" goes too far. I want to know if the weapons which are partly worn out are being replaced, as the shooting of the men is affected.

LORD STANLEY

If the shooting is affected the weapon is defective, and should be replaced.