§ 78. Sir PHILIP RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that American riflemen have been pre-eminent since 1907 in rifle matches between 200 and 1,000 yards; and whether competitions with military rifles of other countries or with unofficial rifles designed for military purposes would be welcomed by his Department as providing useful comparative information?
§ 79. Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that records made by the U.S.A. Springfield 300 service rifle from the year 1913 until now at ranges up to and including 1,200 yards have surpassed any scoring made with the British service rifle; and will he encourage the conducting of experiments with a view to securing for Great Britain rifles of as great accuracy as those possessed by any foreign Power?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI will answer these questions together. Range accuracy at long ranges is not the determining factor in deciding the suitability 2321 of a rifle for service purposes. The British service rifle has proved sufficiently accurate for all military purposes, but continuous efforts are made to maintain the highest possible standard in this respect compatible with the preservation of other essential requirements. Trials of military rifles of other countries are conducted from time to time, and provide useful comparative information, but competitions of the type suggested by the hon. and gallant Member for Chertsey do not give a true picture of the utility of the rifle for military purposes.
§ Sir W. SUGDENI do not ask the right hon. Gentleman to give me the, information publicly—he may give it me privately—has he tested the German rifle which is being served out to the German forces now?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe hon. Member had better communicate with me privately.