§ MR. HUSSEY VIVIANsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State far War whether it is a fact that the new Gun Foundry at Woolwich, for casting Iron Ordnance, has up to this time proved a failure, and from what cause; and whether any serviceable guns have as yet been produced there, and, if so, how many?
GENERAL PEELsaid, it was not the fact that the new Gun Foundry erected at Woolwich for casting Iron Ordnance had been, up to the present moment, a failure. On the contrary, there was every reason to believe that, under the superintendence of that able and talented Officer, Colonel Wilmott, it would prove perfectly successful. It was true the number of guns made last year was not the same as that which had been promised by Colonel Wilmott's assistants in that gallant officer's absence. But thirty-four of the heaviest guns had been cast there, and twelve 68 pounders were to be proved on Monday next. Four or five of these guns were turned out each week; and the delay had arisen not from any defect in the foundry, but in consequence of the proving-butt being out of order.