HC Deb 22 February 1915 vol 70 c23
57. Sir J. D. REES

asked for the estimate of the War Office of the amount of cotton required for the daily expenditure of cartridges by the enemy?

Mr. TENNANT

I am afraid that it is not possible to speak with any certainty as to the daily expenditure of ammunition by the Germans on land and sea against their various opponents. It may be stated that the quantity of cotton in 1,000 rounds of rifle ammunition is about 4½ lbs., and in 1,000 cartridges for field guns about 830 lbs.

Sir J. D. REES

Is it these figures as to the quantity of cotton used in explosives that caused the right hon. Gentleman to say that the question of the importation of cotton was of no account?

Mr. TENNANT

I never said it was of no account. But as it was understood that the demands of Germany had been satisfied already from that point of view we did not consider it necessary to make cotton a contraband.

Sir J. D. REES

Does the right, hon. Gentleman consider that position a continuing one in view of the very large expenditure of explosives by Germany?

Mr. TENNANT

No; I would not say it is a continuing position. It will have to be reviewed from time to time.

Mr. PETO

Has the right hon. Gentleman any similar figures with regard to the use of cotton in mines and torpedoes?

Mr. TENNANT

I should like notice of that.