§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a sufficient quantity of arms and ammunition are now available for the National Reserve: and, if so, will he consider the advisability of increasing the contemplated armament of 10 per cent.?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is not considered desirable to publish any information concerning the reserve stocks of munitions of war. As regards the last part of the question, a limited number of rifles are to be issued on loan for the rifle clubs or rifle associations to encourage rifle practice, and not for the purposes of armament. There is no intention of increasing the number.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs it not desirable to state that there is a sufficient quantity if that is the fact?
§ Colonel SEELYIt seems undesirable to state the precise stock. If the hon. Member wishes me to make the statement I say without hesitation that there are ample stocks.