§ MR. CARLILE (Hertfordshire, St. Albans)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will issue to affiliated rifle clubs free of charge those Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield rifles recently withdrawn from the Regular troops, which may be found on examination to be unsuitable for conversion and re-issue to such troops, in order that they may be 606 used by these clubs with a Morris or other tube on miniature ranges.
§ MR. HALDANENo rifles withdrawn from troops are at present available for the purpose mentioned. Later on unserviceable long rifles may be available, and it may then be considered whether they should not be issued at the usual price of 1s. 6d. each.
§ MR. CARLILECannot they be issued free of charge so as to encourage rifle practice?
§ MR. HALDANENo decision has yet been come to.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)Will the right hon. Gentleman define "later on?"
§ MR. HALDANEUntil the very complicated questions connected with this subject have all been carefully considered I can make no statement.