§ 59. Mr. NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether the defects noticed in the new Army rifle have now been overcome; whether the rifle has been, or is about to be, issued to any further units with a view to testing its practical efficiency; and whether he himself has been able to visit the experimental range at the Royal Small Arms 355 Factory and form his own judgment by use of the rifle as to the improvements that have been effected?
Mr. BAKERIt is hoped that the defects referred to have been overcome, but further trials will be carried out very shortly. My right hon. Friend is advised that a visit to the experimental range at the Royal Small Arms Factory would provide inadequate opportunities for forming a first-hand judgment on the technical points involved.
MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEDoes the answer of the hon. Gentleman mean also that the ammunition which is fired with the rifle is effective with that rifle?
§ Mr. KINGWhen the hon. Gentleman speaks of further knowledge, does he mean that he has himself fired with this rifle?