HC Deb 20 May 1886 vol 305 cc1524-6
LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Marylebone, E.)

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether it is true that H.M.S. Colossus is shortly going to sea, having on board 43-ton guns of a similar pattern to the gun which lately exploded with a reduced charge on board H.M.S. Collingwood; and, whether, considering the demoralising effect produced on the ship's company by a doubt as to the life of their guns, he will use his endeavours to have the guns shifted and replaced by those of a known trustworthy character?

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. HIBBERT) (Oldham)

The Colossus is to be attached for the present to the Channel Squadron, and will shortly proceed on a cruise. In view of the recent accident to the 43-ton gun in the Collingwood, directions have been given that the Colossus is not for the present to use her 43-ton guns in target practice. As regards the question of shifting and replacing these guns, it is intended to strengthen them; but no action will be taken until the Report of the Committee inquiring into the subject of these guns has been considered.

MR. BETHELL (York, E.R., Holderness)

asked, If the right hon. Gentleman would say whether there were any guns for the Navy of a known trustworthy character, considered in reference to their having undergone a continuous test such as it might be reasonably inferred they would undergo in an ordinary naval action?

MR. HIBBERT

The Question is of so important a character that I should like to have Notice of it.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL (Paddington, S.)

wanted to know whether the right hon. Gentleman would state what other guns the Colossus carried, and what would be the condition of the Colossus in case she were attacked by the Greek Meet?

MR. HIBBERT

The Colossus has already fired off these 43-ton guns at sea without any serious result occurring. Therefore I think that if she were attacked by any Greek or other vessel she would be able to defend herself in a proper way.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

But she is ordered not to fire.

MR. HIBBERT

She is ordered not to use the guns in target practice; but she is not ordered not to use them in case she is attacked.

LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Marylebone E.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, considering the peculiar construction of the 43-ton guns, any steps were taken to ascertain what pressure would occur in the chase of these guns when fired with a charge of "cocoa powder," especially when fired rapidly; and, if so, what was the result; what is the highest pressure considered safe for the chase of these guns; and, whether there have been strong opinions expressed by competent authorities as to the safety of using the cocoa gunpowder with the 43-ton gun?

THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF ORDNANCE (Mr. WOODALL) (Hanley)

(who replied) said: The Question of the noble and gallant Lord involves several technical points which are among those to which the attention of the Ordnance Committee, as specially constituted for inquiry into this gun, would naturally be directed. I would rather not anticipate by a present answer the conclusions to which the Committee may come.