§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what progress has been made with the experiments of the effects of Artillery on metal casing of ships which were directed by the late Board of Admiralty; and what steps it is intended to take for the fulfilment of the intentions of the late Board to order the construction of a second man of war covered with iron?
§ LORD CLARENCE PAGETsaid, he was sorry to say that some delay had occurred in carrying out the experiments, owing to a delay in the execution of the order by the firm who had to construct the plates of various sorts. But they would be proceeded with immediately. As to the second question, he could only reply that a second man of war covered with iron would not be constructed till the result of the experiment in the first case had been brought to a conclusion.
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, he would further ask whether the Admiralty intended to experiment on sailing vessels.
§ LORD CLARENCE PAGETsaid, this would depend upon the result of the experiments first spoken of.