HC Deb 17 August 1909 vol 9 c1097
Mr. COURTHOPE

asked whether experiments have been carried out by the War Office with a view to providing a stronger breech-action for the service rifle and thereby enabling more powerful ammunition to be used, and with what results?

Mr. HALDANE

Experiments have been carried out, but the alterations that would be involved by the use of a stronger breech action would necessitate the adoption of what would practically be a new rifle.