HC Deb 15 October 1908 vol 194 cc446-7
MR. PIKE PEASE

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the breech action of the Lee-Enfield rifle with which the British troops are now armed is strong enough to stand the high pressure that would be produced by the use of a high-velocity ammunition such as has been adopted by Germany, Austria, and the United States.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) 2,600 feet seconds can be obtained in the short Lee-Enfield rifle with a 150-grains bullet without exceeding the pressure which the breech action is amply strong enough to stand.