HC Deb 24 July 1879 vol 248 c1173
COLONEL COLTHURST

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether any person other than Mr. Lynall Thomas claims to be the originator of the system of heavy rifled ordnance of which the 7-inch 7-ton gun was stated in the evidence given by the Crown, in the case of Thomas against the Queen, to be the standard gun in Her Majesty's Service; and, if so, whether he will be good enough to give the name of that person?

SIR HENRY HAVELOCK

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether any person other than Mr. Lynall Thomas claims to be the originator of the system of heavy rifled ordnance, of which the 7-inch 7-ton gun was stated, in the evidence given by the Crown in the case of Thomas against the Queen, to be the standard gun in Her Majesty's service; and, if so, whether he will be good enough to give the name of such claimant?

LORD EUSTACE CECIL

Sir, the system of heavy rifled ordnance in use in the Service, and alluded to in the Questions, was originated in the Government factories quite independently of any gun designed by Mr. Lynall Thomas, and this view is borne out by the evidence for the Crown in the case referred to.

SIR HENRY HAVELOCK

asked, Whether it was not the fact that the jury in the recent case of "Thomas n. the Queen," gave a unanimous verdict in favour of Mr. Lynall Thomas's claims?

LORD EUSTACE CECIL

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will repeat that Question on another day?