§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if it is true the Government have, from time to time, entered into a contract for powder with the Ballincollig Powder Mills Company, County Cork; whether any specification or requirement has been demanded of the company by the Government with respect to the casks in which such powder is delivered; and whether there is any objection to such casks being manufactured at Ballincollig?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPEThe Government have contracts, from time to time, with the Ballincollig Powder Company. The barrels in which powder is supplied must be of the usual War Department pattern; and when the local barrel makers can match that pattern so as to pass inspection there will be no objection to the barrels being obtained from Ballincollig. Correspondence on the subject has been going on for some time.
§ DR. TANNERAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that if gunpowder can be manufactured at. Ballincollig so as to secure the requirements of the Department, the War Office will not object to its manufacture?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPECertainly.