MR. CORRYsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to his recent statement that a large order had been given for the manufacture of 10½-inch smooth-bore Guns for the Navy, throwing a spherical shot of 150lb., Whether the Admiralty will consider the advisableness of having those Guns rifled on 337 the shunt principle, so as to admit of their being fired either with round shot or with elongated projectiles?
§ LORD CLARENCE PAGETsaid, in reply, that the right hon. Gentleman was under some misconception. What he had stated on a recent occasion was, that a large order had been given for 110-pounder rifled guns for the navy, and that likewise a certain number of 10-inch guns were in preparation, some of which were already on board the Royal Sovereign. It was the intention of the Admiralty to rifle those guns, and the mode of rifling them was under the consideration of the Ordnance Committee.