HC Deb 11 June 1888 vol 326 cc1682-3
CAPTAIN COTTON (Cheshire, Wirral)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the fact that the steel ingots now in course of manufacture by Messrs. Whitworth are being purchased by private firms in France; and, whether it is also the fact that the forgings referred to are supplied for the manufacture of steel B.L. guns for the French or some other Foreign Navy?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

I have heard that certain steel ingots are being manufactured by Messrs. Whitworth for a private firm. They have a large trade in steel forgings. Messrs. Whitworth inform me that they are not intended, directly or indirectly, for the French Government; but I am not able to explain further the business transactions of private firms. I may add, in justice to Messrs. Whitworth, that the manufacture of steel ingots will not, in the least degree, interfere with the progress of the guns which they are making for our Government.

CAPTAIN COTTON

asked, if the forgings referred to were supplied for the manufacture of steel guns for some other Foreign Navy?

MR. E. STANHOPE

could not say—he only knew that they were not for the French.