§ MR. ARTHUR HENDERSON (Durham, Barnard Castle)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any orders for swords or sword-bayonets have been placed with private firms during the
†See (4) Debates, elix., 1110.876 present year; whether the practice of accepting delivery at contractor's works is still pursued; what are the qualifications of the officers who pass the work; and what furthur examination is made prior to final acceptance by the War Office.
§ MR. HALDANENo orders for sword or sword-bayonets have been placed with private firms this year except for experimental swords for trial. Orders have, however, been given to a private firm for the conversion of 10,000 sword-bayonets. The practice of accepting delivery at the contractor's works is still in force. The officers employed in inspecting small arms are selected for this duty on account of their special knowledge obtained through their training at the Ordnance College, Woolwich. No further examination is carried out after the examination at the contractor's works in accordance with the specification has been made.