asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the British Army has stated that they have now a new light weight 4.85 rifle which could be used in the Six Counties and which fires smaller calibre bullets than those of the standard rifle and can cause more severe internal injuries than the standard size bullets and that it can be easily hidden and carried by troops in civilian attire; and if he has made or intends to make a request to the British Government to withdraw such weapons.
Written Answers. - British Army Weapons.
44.
I have seen the text of a statement on behalf of the British Army to the effect that a new weapon system using 4.85 mm ammunition has been developed for the British Ministry of Defence and that it will be entered next year in North Atlantic Treaty Organisation trials, the purpose of which will be to recommend for that organisation a new common round of ammunition for the 1980s, together with the weapons to fire it.
The weapon is not in use and the question of its being withdrawn therefore does not arise.