§ MR. WEIRTo ask the Secretary of State for India, having regard to the fact that the Indian Financial Statement for 1903–4 shows that the Johapore Rifle Factory is expected to be in a position to commence the manufacture of rifles during the present year, will arrangements be made for the manufacture at that factorey of some of the new Army rifles required for the troops in India.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) It is not expected that under the most favourable circumstances manufacture can commence before December next. There is therefore, little probability of any out-turn of importance during the next financial year. The supply of rifles for Indian requirements will then be carried on from the factory as far as it is able to produce them.