§ MR. CARLILE (Hertfordshire, St. Albans)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he would be willing to issue the old Lee-Metford or Lee-Enfield rifles, recently withdrawn from the regular troops, to affiliated rifle clubs free of charge, to be used with a Morris or other tube on miniature ranges.
§ MR. HALDANEAs all the Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield rifles recently withdrawn from the troops are required for conversion and for reissue to such troops as are still in possession of the long rifle, there will not be any available for the purposes suggested in the Question.
§ MR CARLILEasked if a considerable number of the rifles withdrawn were so worn in the bore that they would be incapable of being used in the service.
§ MR. HALDANEsaid that those that were useless would not be converted.
§ MR. CARLILECannot those that are useless be issued?
§ MR. HALDANEI will consider that.
§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire,Chorley)Is it not the case that only one fifth of the rifles that are suitable are going to be converted this year?
§ MR. HALDANEThey are all going to be converted; provision is made for converting a great many this year.
§ MR. CARLILEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that however worn the barrels may be, and unsuitable for ordinary purposes, they may be used on miniature ranges if fitted with Morris or other tubes?
§ MR. HALDANEIf the hon. Member will put down a Question, I will inquire.