§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the average life of a field gun is about 2,000 rounds, he can state what number of guns now with our batteries are practically useless owing to the rifling having become defective; and whether it is proposed to issue these guns to the Volunteers as soon as the batteries have been re-armed with new quick-firing guns.
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTEEThere are no guns now with the batteries which are useless owing to the rifling having become defective. All field guns are examined after every 150 rounds, and when the rifling is worn to such an extent as to render the guns unserviceable they are condemned. As regards the Volunteers no guns would be issued to them except such as are in a serviceable condition.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)May I ask the number of years represented by 2,000 rounds?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI am afraid I cannot answer that Question. It all depends on circumstances.