HL Deb 08 April 1987 vol 486 cc1106-7WA
Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many weapons of each of the following types are available for use by the armed forces—

(a) crossbows;(b) longbows;(c) rifles; (d) pistols.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)

No crossbows or longbows are held for use by members of the armed forces. Units of all three Services hold available for use approximately 224,400 serviceable rifles and 25,500 serviceable pistols.

Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the sources by country and average costs of the following weapons available to the armed fortes—

(a) crossbows;(b) longbows;(c) rifles; (d) pistols.

Lord Trefgarne

There are no crossbows currently in service with HM Forces. The longbow ceased to be standard equipment for HM Forces during the reign of Elizabeth I, and our information on costs is therefore a little out of date. Information available to us suggests a price of 6s 8d (33p) for a first-class English-made bow of best foreign yew at 1566 economic conditions. A good quality modern equivalent costs about £300 or more.

Precise costs for particular rifles and pistols are a matter of commercial confidence. Pistols cost on average £200 and are purchased from Belgium and the USA. There are five rifles in general use in HM Forces, all but one of UK manufacture. The average cost of rifles (including spares and ancillaries) in volume production is in the region of £300—£400, although more specialised weapons can cost double that amount.

Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many members of the armed forces are trained in the proficient use of the following—(a) crossbows; (b) longbows; (c) rifles; (d) pistols; and what is the average period of training required to achieve, proficiency in each case.

Lord Trefgarne

(a) None. (b) None. (c) and (d) Most members of the armed forces (other than females) are trained in the use of small arms of one kind or another. The length of training depends upon the role and the degree of proficiency required and varies from a few days to several weeks or even months in the most demanding cases.