Captain CRAIGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that during the period September, 1912, to February, 1913, there was not sufficient 303 small arm ammunition available in England to meet practice requirements abroad, and consequently one Colony, at least (Sierra Leone), had to draw upon its local reserve (set apart for use on service only) or fail to carry out annual musketry; that during the latter part of 1911 and the beginning of 1912, owing to the withdrawal of rifles suitable for mark VII. ammunition, had war broken out part of the Expeditionary Force would have been armed with a weapon unsuitable for the ammunition provided for the new rifle and issued to a portion only of that force; whether the Territorial Force, being armed with rifles to fire mark VI. ammunition, is expected to reinforce the Regulars armed with the new rifles suitable for mark VII.; does he apprehend grave confusion where some troops would be using mark VI. and the others mark VII.; and what steps he proposes to take?
§ Colonel SEELYThe amount of 303 small arm ammunition in England during the period mentioned was more than sufficient to meet the practice requirements abroad. The situation in Sierra Leone referred to in the question was purely temporary. There was a surplus of ammunition in the Colony for the greater part of the year. As regards the rest of the question, adequate arrangements were made so as to ensure there being no confusion during the change from mark VI. to mark VII. ammunition.