§ 53. Mr. COURTHOPEasked whether the reduced provision for rifles and small arms ammunition in the Estimates for the current year is due to an intention to reduce stocks held in reserve or to smaller requirements for current use; if the latter, in what way the saving in ammunition is to be effected; and whether the reserve stocks required by the Mowatt Committee are being fully maintained?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe reduced provision is not due to either of the causes mentioned, but to the fact that last year's Estimates included special provision for resighting rifles for the Regular Army and Special Reserve and for increasing the reserve of small-arm ammunition. The authorised reserve stocks are being fully maintained.
§ Mr. R. M'NEILLWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the reduced provision is due to any expectation on the part of the Government of being able to buy some arms second-hand in the near future?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe answer to that is in the negative.