§ SIR DE LACY EVANSsaid, he wished to ask the President of the India Board whether it is intended to act on the strong recommendations by the official authorities at Woolwich of Bray's and Boydell's Traction Engines, as being likely, in the opinion of these authorities, to prove of utility to the army in India in facilitating the transport of troops, artillery, and stores?
LORD STANLEYSir, on the 27th of this month a letter was written by the Board of Control to the authorities in India, forwarding a copy of the Special Report on these engines, and suggesting that four should be sent out, two for Calcutta and two for Bombay. To that communication of course we cannot receive an answer for some time. I believe there is no doubt as to the value of the principle of these engines, but there is a doubt whether the work and construction of those that have been tried are such as will fit them for active service.
§ SIR DE LACY EVANSI believe there was no imperfection in one of them.