§ COLONEL BOWLES (Middlesex, Enfield)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the contract for the manufacture of rifles at £4 10s., given to trading firms, is only for the number to be delivered and paid for during the present financial year; and, if not, whether it will be possible to revise the price should it be found the rifle can be turned out more cheaply than expected.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The price mentioned applies to a specific number of rifles, which, it is anticipated, will be delivered before the close of the current financial year, when fresh arrangements can be made if necessary.