§ MR. WARTONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether the "Naval 2045 armoured train" which, under the command of Captain Fisher, R. N., is at present in operation with our forces in Egypt, is constructed on the same principles as those embodied in the invention of "Improved Mechanical Arrangements for Working and Protecting Ordnance and other Firearms, and for the men in charge of the same," for which Letters Patent, No. 2611, were granted to John Evelyn Liardet, sealed the 26th March 1872, and dated the 3rd October 1871; whether the consent of the said John Evelyn Liardet had been secured before his invention was thus brought into use; and, if Her Majesty's Government will take steps suitably to recompense the patentee?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYThe Admiralty have no information with reference to the details of the construction of the "armoured train," nor are they in possession of any information from what source the idea was taken. When such information is in their possession they will be able to determine whether recompense is due.
§ MR. WARTONsaid, in October next be would furnish the House with some information on the subject.