§ 51. Mr. Woodrow Wyattasked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange to attend a test in which the relative performances of the.303 rifle, the new British.280 rifle and American.300 Garand rifle are compared.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have already stated, I shall be making a statement on this subject to the House before we rise for the Christmas Recess. I hope I may be permitted to be the judge of how I gather my information.
§ Mr. WyattFirst of all, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the fact that he is reconsidering the use of the new 280 rifle has caused great distress throughout the whole British Army? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Yes, it has. Secondly, will he assure the House that before abandoning it, before he allows it to be superseded, he will at least have a look at it? Will he also bear in mind that if he does not interfere with the arrangements already made, this rifle can be in full production within two years and can easily be supplied to British troops long before any new American rifle can be invented?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not want to embark upon a detailed argument on this subject until we have a chance of debating it.
§ Mr. AdamsCould we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that if such tests are arranged he and his colleagues in the Cabinet will still be standing by their targets?
§ The Prime MinisterMay I compliment the hon. Member on his wit, even though it is not original?