§ 2. Mr. Bossomasked the Secretary of State for War approximately at what rate he expects the.280 rifles and ammunition to be made available for the use of the Services.
§ Mr. WyattIt has now been decided to adopt the British E.M.2 rifle. The conversion to the new rifle and ammunition will be made as quickly as possible, but it will take several years to complete.
§ Mr. BossomIn the interval, what will happen to the Forces? Will they use the former rifle, or partly use this rifle and the old one?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreWill the Minister undertake that no.303 rifles are withdrawn until there is an adequate quantity of.280 rifles and replacements available to take their place?
§ Mr. WyattI can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there is no intention of leaving any soldier without a rifle at any time.
§ Mr. J. Langford-HoltIs it not regrettable that the only time the hon. Gentleman's Department does something it steps out of line with our Allies?
§ 14. Mr. Bossomasked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to ensure that a slight readjustment is made to the new.280 rifle so that it can take the same rimless.300 ammunition which has been approved by the Canadians and is used by the United States Army.
§ Mr. WyattNo, Sir. The readjustment for which the hon. Member asks would mean designing a completely new rifle.
§ Mr. BossomCould not the Minister be a little less complacent about this, because if members of the United States and Canadian Forces can have similar ammunition to our own it will be of great benefit? Does he not agree it will certainly mean a considerable amount of work in readjusting, and ought not this to be considered very actively to secure the right results for all of us?
§ Mr. WyattThere is nothing to stop the Americans standardising on our new rifle at any time, and in fact it would be an easier matter for them to adapt their ammunition than it would be for us.
§ Mr. BossomDoes the hon. Gentleman realise the number of people there are in the United States, in Canada and in this country, and is he asking those whose production is greater to do something to meet the lesser situation? Is it not a rather upside down way of putting it?
§ Mr. WyattThe Government take the view that it is better to standardise on the best weapon available than on an inferior one.
§ Mr. Duncan SandysWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean by standardising? Standardising what? Starting on an entirely new type of weapon is not standardisation.