HC Deb 11 December 1963 vol 686 cc392-3
24. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in developing a suitable telescopic sight for the 7.62 mm. rifle; why the production of a sight has been delayed; and what tests the sight had passed before its use by the Army.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Peter Kirk)

A telescopic sight for the 7.62 mm. rifle has undergone trials to test continuous firing, accuracy and its ability to resist extremes of climate and rough usage. A decision cannot be taken about production until the evaluation of the results has been completed.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, while the War Office has delayed these trials, American troops are almost fully equipped with the telescopic sight and that the same applies to certain Continental countries associated with N.A.T.O.? Why has the War Office been so dilatory in providing what is regarded as modern and essential equipment?

Mr. Kirk

I do not think that we have been dilatory. This project was not high on the priority list because the existing .303 sniping rifle, although not of the standard N.A.T.O. calibre, was adequate and the requirement for it was extremely small.

Mr. Paget

We were using telescopic sights in the South African War. Did it not occur to the War Office that, when we got a new rifle, we should require a telescopic sight for it? Why has it taken 12 years to get round to this discovery?

Mr. Kirk

Of course it occurred to us, and that is why we are carrying out tests on it.

Mr. Shinwell

Though this is the first time this matter has been ventilated in the House, may I have an assurance that these trials will be expedited and that, if the sight proves to be satisfactory, our troops will be provided with it as early as possible?

Mr. Kirk

We hope that, once the trials are completed, the Army will begin to receive the sights about 18 months later.