SMALL-ARM AMMUNITION.

HC Deb 19 March 1913 vol 50 cc1024-5

27. Major HOPE

asked how, for many years from date of manufacture, small-arm ammunition in store remains efficient for service?

Colonel SEELY

The number of years during which small-arm ammunition remains serviceable in store depends upon the climate and also on the purity and heat treatment of the metal employed for the cartridge case. No definite period can be assigned. Owing to the expenditure at practice and the arrangements made to ensure turnover, the amount which becomes unserviceable is small.

Major HOPE

What number of years can small ammunition be kept stored in this country?

Colonel SEELY

As I said, that depends upon how careful one is not only in making the powder, but in making the cartridge cases. It varies from time to time.

28. Major HOPE

asked how small-arm ammunition in reserve, which through age has become not efficient for service, is disposed of?

Colonel SEELY

Small-arm ammunition which is found to be unserviceable is broken up, the metal being sold.