§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Secretary of State for War (1) what is being done with the redundant rifles that are now being replaced; and whether he will permit bona fide British riflemen, both in this country and parts of the Commonwealth, to have these for rifle practice at an appropriate price;
(2) at what age the ammunition that would have been used for the now redundant rifles will become unfit for use; what is to be done with this ammunition which is now in storage; and whether he will make it available, at an appropriate price, to British riflemen both in this country and in parts of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. SoamesRifles and ammunition replaced by new equipment are kept as mobilisation stocks, and there are no rifles or substantial quantities of ammunition at present surplus to our needs. The fitness of ammunition for use is not decided on age but according to tests carried out at intervals.
By long-standing custom the comparatively small amount of ammunition needed by rifle clubs is provided by the Army from normal stocks. It is sold to the National Rifle Association who sponsor clubs in this country and are associated, I understand, with those in the Commonwealth.