HC Deb 17 August 1909 vol 9 cc1097-8
Mr. COURTHOPE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the proved superiority of aperture sights for rapid shooting at moving or disappearing objects, he proposes to adopt and aperture sight for the service rifle; and whether experiments have been carried out with aperture sights at the Hythe School of Musketry or elsewhere, and with what results?

Mr. HALDANE

For military purposes the superiority of the aperture sight has not been definitely proved. Experiments have been carried out, and the Small Arms Committee reported against the adoption of the aperture sight for the present rifle; but it will be again considered in the event of any new pattern rifle being adopted.

Mr. COURTHOPE

May I ask when the Small Arms Committee carried out the experiments?

Mr. HALDANE

I think they were carried out recently.