77. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Secretary of State for War what is the length of the present rifle issued to the Imperial Yeomanry; what is the length of the new rifle, and when is it proposed, roughly, to issue the new rifle to the Yeomanry?
§ Colonel SEELYThe length of the present rifle is 3 feet 8 9–16 inches without bayonet, and that of the experimental rifle is 3 feet 10 3–10 inches. I am not in a position at present to make any statement as regards the last part of the question.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWhat did the right hon. Gentleman mean by 'his reply the other day that he was putting off the alteration in carrying the rifle until the new rifle was introduced, and, as the new rifle is only an inch different, why should there be any difference in carrying it?
§ Colonel SEELYWith regard to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's supplementary question, I meant what I said. With regard to the second part, I do not think the answer I have given is contradictory.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINECan the right hon. Gentleman given a clearer reply on the Vote for his salary later on?
§ Colonel SEELYCertainly, I shall be glad to do so. It is difficult to deal with this subject by question and answer.