§ Mr. Ashley Coopernext moved the estimate for Ordnance service, amounting to 5,300,000l.
§ Mr. Calcraftwished for some explanation how this estimate could exceed, by nearly a million and a half, that which he himself had brought forward when in office, about a year since.
§ Mr. Cooperexplained, that it arose from arrears of former years, and accumulated exceedings not provided for under the heads of debt to the navy departments for stores furnished; exceedings of former estimates for Ireland; expedition to Copenhagen; works at Chatham, Woolwich, and Dover, with various items, which he stated.
§ Mr. Calcraftthanked the hon. gent. for the explanation which it was his own duty to ask; but there were some other points of enormous expenditure, and particularly the Drivers' corps, in which he was not satisfied, and which he should take another opportunity of bringing forward for discussion.
§ Mr. Wellesley Polevindicated the whole of the estimate, and said the artillery of this country had attained a pitch of efficiency under the auspices of lord Chatham, not only unparalleled at any former period, but superior to any other train of Ordnance now in Europe. It consisted of 6000 men, with 4000 horses attached, and all in such a state of discipline and equipment, as to enable them to oppose a force of artillery against any enemy who should land in this country, in one-third the time, and with more than triple the effect that could be done at any former period.—The question upon the estimate was then put and carried.