HC Deb 16 June 1904 vol 136 cc273-4
CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state the number of new pattern and converted rifles respectively for which orders have been placed up to 1905, destined for home and for India; also the shooting value of the converted rifle as compared with the new one; and the troops to whom the converted rifle will be issued.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BROMLEY DAVENPORT,) Cheshire, Macclesfield

Of the total orders placed, 71,574 are for India and 185,940 for home. The shooting value of the two rifles is identical, and for issue, discrimination between the two is unnecessary, though, as a matter of convenience, both patterns will not be issued to the same unit.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Are all the old rifles being converted?

MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

was understood to reply in the affirmative.

CAPTAIN NORTON

And what troops will they be issued to?

MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

That I think is immaterial, the shooting value of the rifles being identical.