MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Regis) LynnI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, have the Admiralty considered the new rifle adopted for the Army with a view to deciding whether it is advisable to adopt it for the Navy; will they, before coming to a decision, submit this rifle to trials in order to ascertain the effect of the increased recoil upon accuracy of shooting; and will they, before finally adopting the rifle, lay any reports they may receive of such trials on the Table of this House.
§ Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe Admiralty have very carefully considered the new rifle, and it has been passed through exhaustive trials in the three Gunnery Schools and in all Marine Divisions. The question of recoil, and all other points connected with the shooting of the rifle have been considered, and in view of the advantages which the rifle possesses, and of the favourable reports respecting it, it is proposed to adopt it for the Navy. The Admiralty do not propose to lay any report of the trials upon the Table of the House.