HC Deb 19 June 1951 vol 489 cc226-7
22. Mr. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War what other semi-automatic or automatic rifles, whether in prototype or in production, were considered for use by the British Army when the 280 rifle was decided upon; of what bore they are; and how these rifles compare in weight, ease of production and efficiency with the 280 rifle.

Mr. Strachey

The War Department is fully aware of all small arms production and development being carried out by North Atlantic Treaty Nations. Before reaching the decision to adopt a rifle of the new calibre for the British Army, all this information was taken into account. I cannot give details of developments and research in other countries, but I am satisfied that the rifle and ammunition which we are now adopting are in every way the best available.

Mr. Low

Does not the ri9lit hon. Gentleman think that there would he a certain advantage from the point of view of both Army morale and the interests of the country in giving a little more information about these matters?

Mr. Strachey

I think that at the appropriate time it is quite possible to give a little more information, but I understood from the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition that we were to debate the matter in the House.

Mr. George Wigg

Will my right hon. Friend make available a specimen of the new rifle so that hon. Members may examine it?

Brigadier Peto

Is not one of the objects of the North Atlantic Treaty to make our weapons and equipment similar to those of our Allies in the Commonwealth and elsewhere? Why has this great step been taken in the opposite direction?

Mr. Strachey

There is no doubt that standardisation is most valuable and desirable, but it should not be all one way. We consider that we are producing a rifle which will perhaps be generally admitted to be the best that has ever been produced. Why should not other people standardise on our rifle?

Mr. Speaker

The supplementary question did not arise out of the main Question. The Question merely asked what semi-automatic or automatic rifles were considered. General considerations are not in order.