§ MR. BERNAL OSBORNEsaid, that he rose to ask the Secretary of State for War, If the 140-pounder Armstrong Shunt Gun has not given way in the late experimental firing at Shoeburyness on July 14, with a charge of powder of 25 lbs., and 91 lb. flat-ended shot; also to inquire how many rounds have been fired from the Gun; and if the Secretary of State for War will consent to the appointment of a Committee of Skilled Officers and Mechanicians to inquire into the causes of the failure of the Armstrong Guns which have burst or given way?
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, the gun in question was one of 120 lb.; and being fired on experimental charges, it was fired with a charge of 25 lb. weight of powder, being about double the ordinary service charge. The gun cracked near the centre.
§ MR. BERNAL OSBORNESplit, in fact. How many rounds were fired?
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, he was unable to answer that question. With re- 832 gard to the question of the appointment of a Committee on the subject, he would remind the hon. Gentleman that there was at present a Select Ordnance Committee sitting on the subject of conducting such experiments. The Iron Plate Committee and the Select Committee of that House had been sitting some weeks, and had recommended the appointment of a similar Committee next Session. It seemed to him, therefore, that there was a sufficient number of Committees to consider the subject.
§ MR. BERNAL OSBORNEsaid, that the right hon. Gentleman did not appear to understand the gist of his question. He wished for the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the causes of the bursting of the gun, as well as into the nature of its construction—a Committee, in fact, to inquire into the principle of the coil.
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, that the Committees already appointed would, of course, consider the causes of the failure of the guns which had burst or given way.