SIR FREDERIC SMITHsaid, he rose to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether any steps have been taken towards the construction of a 600-pounder Armstrong Gun, or any other Gun of greater calibre than the 150-pounder smooth-bore Gun with which experiments have been made at Shoeburyness; and, if so, when it may be expected to be finished and ready for proof?
SIR GEORGE LEWISsir, a 200-pounder Armstrong rifled gun has been constructed. It has been proved within the last week, and experiments will be immediately commenced with it. A 600-pounder Armstrong gun is now in course of construction, and it is promised that it shall be ready for proof in three months. I will also add that a wrought-iron rifled gun is now being constructed by Mr. Lydell Thomas, to throw a projectile of 400 lb. weight, which it is expected will be ready in three months.