§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state, in view of the proposed reduction of the staff at Enfield and Sparkbrook Small Arms Factories, whether there is any intention of discontinuing the manufacture of the new pattern short rifle.
§ MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTThe proposed reductions in numbers at Enfield and Sparkbrook are in no way connected with the question of the merits of the new short rifle.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONCan the hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the Question?
§ MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTThe question of continuing the manufacture of the short rifle for the infantry is not raised by these reductions, as the pro- 950 gramme for the year only provided for the supply of rifles for the mounted troops.