HC Deb 16 June 1959 vol 607 c33W
Sir A. Bossom

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (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) what is being done with the ammunition that is now in storage and would have been used for the redundant rifles now being replaced; 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. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

At the present time the Admiralty has no surplus rifles nor 303 ball ammunition, although a quantity of the latter is expected to become available shortly. We should be glad to consider selling this to responsible bodies sponsoring amateur rifle shooting. The normal Admiralty practice is to declare all surpluses of ammunition (and of rifles) to the Ministry of Supply for disposal.