SIR JOHN HAYsaid, it appeared by a Return laid on the Table on the 10th of August, 1869, that 1,628 guns were required to complete the armaments of forts, but according to a Return dated last April there still remained 1,425 to be completed. In two years only 203 guns had been added, and his right hon. and gallant Friend (Sir Henry Storks) had stated that about four years would be necessary to complete their armament; but at the present rate of completion seven years would elapse before their forts would be armed. He thought that was a great deal too long. He hoped his right hon. Friend would be able to assure the House that very great efforts would be made to complete the armament of their forts, on which they had expended so much money for the defence of their country.
§ SIR HENRY STORKSsaid, that any delay that had taken place was due to the difficulty of determining what guns should be mounted. Considerable progress, however, had been made in the arming of the forts, and further progress would be made this year. Up to the 1st of July, 1870, the number mounted was 111, and up to August, 1871, there were 196, leaving about 1,021 still to be mounted. Her Majesty's Government were fully impressed with the importance of completing the armament of the forts, and he confidently hoped that at no distant period it would be completed. They proposed to manufacture 1603 272 guns this year, of various calibres, and there were about 1,100 7-inch 40-pound breech-loading rifle guns in store, some of which were to be mounted to replace smooth-bores at home, and others would be sent to Malta and Gibraltar as soon as the plans of defence were settled. He could assure the hon. and gallant Baronet the Member for Stamford that that important subject had made great progress, and would not be lost sight of.