§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the House details of the proposed new rifle and its shooting powers, and the results of the tests to which it has been subjected?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not yet in a position to give any detailed information in regard to the proposed new rifle.
§ Major ARCHER - SHEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will place one of the new experimental rifles in the Tea Room for the inspection of Members whilst the Army Estimates are before the House; and (2) whether he can arrange for an exhibition in some part of the House of Commons of the latest German, French, American, Mexican, and Canadian rifles during the week ending 9th March whilst the Army Debates are in progress, and also tables showing details as regards trajectory, muzzle velocity, weight of bullet and charge, etc.?
§ Colonel SEELYIt would not seem desirable to place such a large number of rifles in the Tea Room. A Table giving the information asked for shall be placed in the Tea Room if the officials of the House concur. A large number of different rifles can be seen at the War Office.
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§ Major ARCHER - SHEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what was the total cost of rearming the Regular Forces of the Army with the short rifle at the last rearmament, and what period of time elapsed between the first issue of the short rifle and the completion of the rearmament?
§ Colonel SEELYThe total cost was approximately one and a half millions. Issues to Regulars commenced in 1903 and were completed in 1907. The Special Reserve were rearmed in 1909.