I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if smokeless blank cartridge for artillery is used by both French and German armies for training purposes; and, if so, if he will instruct the authorities of the Arsenal to provide smokeless blank cartridge for our Artillery.

I understand that smokeless blank ammunition is used by both French and German Artillery. As I have already explained to my hon. friend on 18th July, the Ordnance Committee are carrying out experiments with this object in view, but the provision of a suitable cartridge at a reasonable cost has not yet been arrived at.

Is there any particular difficulty in England greater than exists in France and Germany of doing this apparently simple piece of work?

I am afraid it is by no means a simple piece of work.

† See(4) Debates, clxxviii, 1336.

The results arrived at in Germany and France differ from each other; and, I believe, they are not nearly so effective in Germany as in France.