§ 18. Brigadier Headasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the adoption of the.280 rifle, the Vickers and Bren.303 automatics will also be replaced.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe Vickers machine gun firing present type.303 ammunition will remain in service until it is replaced by an entirely new weapon. The Bren light machine gun is also to be replaced, but in the interim period a sufficient number will be adapted to fire.280 ammunition.
§ Brigadier HeadWill not very great disadvantages occur if we stumble into a war within the next year or two and have an Army using two types of small arms ammunition simultaneously?
§ Mr. StewartThat is, of course, one of the factors which had to be borne in mind when we decided to make the change to the automatic rifle, but the balance of advantage was decidedly in favour of the change.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIn view of the difference of opinion between the Leader of the Opposition and the Minister of 986 Defence about the efficiency of these rifles, can the hon. Gentleman arrange a duel to test them out?
§ Colonel RopnerHas there been any international agreement about the calibre of the Service rifle? For instance, has there been any consultation with America and France? If so, do these countries also propose to adopt a rifle with a similar calibre?
§ Mr. StewartThat was dealt with recently by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence. There were, of course, very full consultations.
§ Mr. StewartNo, Sir.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that the.303 rifle has stood us in good stead for two wars and that if we now change we shall probably find ourselves without an adequate rifle for the next one?