HC Deb 12 July 1911 vol 28 cc379-80
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Undersecretary of State for War, whether the ammunition B Mark VI., dated 7th December, 1906, which has been supplied to the troops for target practice, is seriously defective in the very high percentage of split cases in live rounds, defective caps, blow backs, bulged rims both before and after firing, and especially in the invariable jamming of the cartridge cases, thereby rendering the rapid firing practice, to which great importance is attached, almost impossible; why such ammunition has been supplied; and whether, in view of the fact that the pay of the men depends upon their proficiency in musketry, he will consent to compensate those troops who have been forced to use this ammunition?

Colonel SEELY

No complaints have been received of the ammunition referred to in the question, and, if any such defects as mentioned were found, the matter should have been reported, and would have been investigated forthwith. Perhaps the Noble Lord could furnish me with more detailed information to enable me to make further inquiries. From inquiries I have made this must be only a very small batch. There is practically no defective ammunition.

Viscount WOLMER

If the right hon. Gentleman finds the fact to be as stated in the question, will he say what he will do in answer to the last part of the question?

Colonel SEELY

That is another point. Of course that would have to be considered. I was considering more the question of the safety of the country involved in the fitness of the ammunition. There is no doubt about that. I will inquire on this smaller point.

Viscount WOLMER

How much is there of this ammunition in stock at the present moment?

Colonel SEELY

As I told the Noble Lord we have had no report at all of defective ammunition and there can be hardly any of it, as quite a small batch has come under our notice.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Are we using up at present the reserve of ammunition?

Colonel SEELY

I do not know what the Noble Lord means by "reserve ammunition." Perhaps he will put down a question on that point.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Is it not the fact that our smokeless powder is inferior to that used by Germany?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think so.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us if the War Office knows how the German powder is made?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think that directly arises out of the question, but as far as I can ascertain I think our powder is the better.