§ SIR DONALD CURRIEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether it is the case that in 1883, when H.M.S. Dryad was stationed at Tamatave, and when difficulties arose between the British Consul, Captain Johnstone of H.M.S. Dryad, and Admiral Pierre in command of the French Fleet, all practice with the whole of the nine guns on board of the Dryad had been suspended in accordance with telegraphic orders from the Admiralty consequent upon the bursting previously of a gun of the same type on board of H.M.S. Daring; whether the Dryad's guns were mounted on the old truck carriages; whether it is the case that there were at that time guns of the same description on board of several of Her Majesty's ships on the North American, China, Mediterranean, Pacific, and Australian stations; and whether similar telegraphic orders were issued to them; whether it is the case that all these guns, or the greater part of them, were ordered to be returned to England, and were altered and improved, and to be used with reduced powder charges; whether it is the case that the Dryad was brought to England with her nine guns and carriages in the same state as when at Tamatave; and, whether this vessel has been since condemned as unfit for Her Majesty's service?
§ SIR THOMAS BRASSEYI have to answer all the Questions put by the hon. Member in the affirmative. With reference to the armaments, I may explain that the guns with which the Dryad was armed in 1883 were lined with iron tubes. All guns so constructed have been withdrawn and replaced with guns lined with steel tubes. The Dryad being an old ship the new guns which had been supplied have been landed at Bombay, and the ship has been brought home. It is not likely that she will again be brought forward for commission.