§ 47. Mr. Nallyasked the Minister of Defence what action was taken to provide full facilities for experts representing the Armed Forces of Commonwealth countries to submit the new.280 rifle to full tests; and if he will make a statement as to the results of these tests.
§ Mr. StracheyI have been asked to reply. There have only been limited numbers of prototype.280 rifles available for trials and demonstration. It has, therefore, not been possible at present to provide these weapons for independent testing by Commonwealth countries. An exception has been made in the case of Canada since that country was directly concerned with the initial standardisation trials of the weapon held in the United States. The military liaison staffs of the Commonwealth countries have, however, been admitted to the main trials held in the United Kingdom and have been fully informed of the results.