§ MR. ABEL SMITH (Hertfordshire, Hertford)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether an order for the new pattern bayonet has been sent to the Small Arms Factory, Enfleld; when the manufacture of them will begin; and how many of these bayonets will be made at the Small Arms Factory, and how many by private firms.
(Answered by Mr. Secretry Haldane.) An order for the new pattern bayonet has been sent to the Small Arms Factory, Enfield, and manufacture has commenced. Tenders are due from the private firms in a few days, and the orders to be given to them will then be dealt with. The allocation of orders for manufacture during next financial year is under consideration.