§ 5. Lord C. BERESFORDasked whether orders have been given to make a reduction in the number of rounds of ammunition for officers and men which have up to now been fired during the various trainings in the gunnery schools; and, if so, will he state to the House how this is in the interests of economy or of efficiency?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOwing to the large numbers of men qualifying in the gunnery schools at the present time, some modification in the former scale of practices has been approved. This will not be detrimental to efficiency.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in regard to the 6-in. guns the seamen gunners have been reduced to half the supply, and will not their efficiency thereby be seriously affected?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have made a modification in the scale of practice, but it will not be detrimental to efficiency. Efficiency is not inconsistent with economy.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs it the fact that the firing allowance, taking it all round, has been reduced by one-half, and can that lead to efficiency?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know the exact proportion, but the modifications are not detrimental to efficiency.