§ 10. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for War what defects have been discovered in the F.N. rifle and what action is proposed to ensure that the most modern rifle is available to British forces.
§ Mr. GodberA number of defects, mostly of a very minor nature, have been found in the F.N. rifle since its introduction into Army service in 1957. All have been overcome by modifications with the exception of a defect in the hand guard. A re-design of this part of the rifle is nearing completion and will be introduced as soon as possible. The F.N. rifle as modified is a thoroughly effective modern weapon. A regards the future we examine continuously all new designs of weapons and discussions within N.A.T.O. are held regularly on this subject.
§ Mr. ShinwellHas not the discovery of these defects over a period of time in the Belgian F.N. rifle been a complete vindication of the attitude of the experts of the War Office twelve years ago and a vindication of myself in refusing to accept during the negotiations at Washington on this subject the Belgian F.N. rifle but preferring the British rifle, and is it not also 1221 a condemnation of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill), who reversed the decision taken by the Labour Government representative at Washington?
§ Mr. GodberI realise that the right hon. Gentleman has a great background of knowledge of this subject, which I would not attempt to deny for one moment, but I do not think I can accept his strictures on my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill), who has taken very wise decisions on this and very many other matters. In relation to this rifle, I do assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Army is very well satisfied with it. It is a very effective rifle. I am not going into the back history of it. It has been debated many times in this House. It is an effective rifle. That is what matters at the moment.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman refresh or enlighten his mind by looking at columns 378, 379 and 380 in the Official Report of 25th April, 1951, when he will discover what happened on that occasion and how wise were those of us who came to the conclusion that it was far better to have a British-produced rifle, as advised by the experts in the War Office, than to accept the view of the right hon. Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill)?
§ Mr. GodberI recognise that this is a matter with which the right hon. Gentleman has had a great deal to do. I shall be very glad to read those past records. I am sure, however, that the right hon. Gentleman recognises the importance of getting standard equipment in N.A.T.O. This is one of the difficulties involved.