§ MR. COURTHOPETo ask the Secretary of State for War whether the conversion of Lee-Enfield rifles for the use of the auxiliary forces has yet commenced; when it is expected to be completed; what sum is placed for this purpose in the Estimates for 1907–8, now many rifles can be converted for this sum; and how many will still remain to be converted at the end of the present financial year.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The conversion of the Lee-Enfield rifles for the use of the auxiliary forces will be commenced this year. The date of completion will depend on the number of rifles required for the Territorial Army. The sum taken in Estimates is £29,800, for which 44,000 rifles can be converted. The numbers remaining for conversion at the end of the year will depend upon the number required for the Territorial Army.