SIR JOHN HAYasked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, If he will state the estimated cost of the 1,425 guns required (as per Return 177) to be made to complete the armament of the Forts; the cost of these guns with their carriages and stores, and the time when they will be completed?
§ SIR HENRY STORKSSir, in reply to the Question of my hon. and gallant Friend, I have to state that it is a mistake to suppose that the guns referred to in the Return require to be made, the larger part of them being already made. About 354 heavy muzzle-loading rifle 1372 guns, with carriages properly supplied with ammunition, will require to be manufactured, the estimated cost of which is £573,718, which amount will be spread over the three years succeeding the 1st of April, 1872.