§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the performance of the FN Mag MG calibre 7.62 mm. rifle; and whether he intends to equip British forces with the Armalite rifle and 5.56 mm. cartridge notwithstanding its marginal stability.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Army's 7–62-mm. rifle is of FN (Belgium) design and its performance has proved satis-198W factory. The options available for its replacement in the 1980s are being investigated. The lightweight United States Armalite 5.56-mm. calibre rifle was designed in the 1960s as a weapon primarily for jungle use and it is not considered to be a suitable replacement.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has studied the qualities of the Galil rifle and its suitability as an alternative to the United States Armalite rifle.
§ Mr. William RodgersA small order has been placed for Israeli Galil rifles for evaluation purposes.