MR. FRENCH-BREWSTERasked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, Whether the statement in The Times newspaper of the 18th instant, with reference to the proposed removal of one of the 81-ton guns on board H.M.S. Inflexible for the purpose of re-tubing, is correct; if so, whether it is considered that it would be dangerous to use the gun in question in its present state; how long the gun referred, to has been in the Service, and how many rounds has it fired; what will be the expense of the proposed repairs, including the cost of dismounting the gun, its carriage to and from Woolwich, and its remounting on board H. M. S. Inflexible; what time must elapse before the repairs are completed and the gun remounted; what was the original cost of the gun; and, whether the remaining three 81-ton guns on board H.M.S. Inflexible are, at the present time, considered to be in good order and thoroughly fit for service?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERThe statement in The Times as to the removal of one of the 81-ton guns of the Inflexible is correct. A few rounds might be fired from the gun in its present condition without risk, but it is not considered serviceable. The gun has been in the Service since 1880, and has fired 86 rounds. It is estimated that it will take about four months to repair the gun. It will be replaced at once on board the Inflexible by the reserve gun. The original cost of the gun was £10,075. The remaining guns on board the Inflexible are considered to be in good order, and thoroughly fit for service. We have the spare tube, and the cost of the repair of the gun is estimated at a few hun- 66 dred pounds; we cannot at present exactly state the sum. The transport to and fro will be by Government store steamer.