HC Deb 05 June 1882 vol 270 cc80-1
SIR JOHN HAY

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he could inform the House whether a gun had burst on board Her Majesty's ship Swiftsure; whether the accident had been attended by loss of life or limb; and if he would also state the nature of the gun which had burst, where manufactured, and whether any other guns of the same character and manufacture, of larger or smaller calibre, were now embarked on board any other of Her Majesty's ships?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I regret to state that it is unhappily true that an accident of the nature mentioned, and attended with fatal results, occurred on board Her Majesty's ship Swiftsure, at Madeira. The only information the Admiralty have received is contained in a telegram from the captain, dated the 1st of June, to this effect— Arrived evening 31st. When saluting, breech-piece 25-pounder was broken off, killing Charles James, hurting three others, not seriously. Am inquiring into ease. With regard to the nature of the gun, I think it would be better that my right hon. and gallant Friend should repeat his Question in a few days, as we have at present no reason to suppose that the accident was due to any fault in the gun; and we shall then have received a full Report on the subject.

LORD EUSTACE CECIL

Has the hon. Gentleman any objection to laying the official Report of the accident upon the Table of the House as soon as it is drawn up?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

When I see the Report I will answer that Question.

COLONEL NOLAN

wished to know what possible objection there could be to saying what class of gun it was that had burst?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

replied, that the only reason was this—that he had read to the House all the information the Admiralty possessed; and if he were to proceed to state what nature of gun it was, it would throw suspicion upon that particular kind of gun. [Colonel NOLAN: Hear, hear!] Until they had the Report on the accident before them, stating that there was some fault found in the gun, it would be unwise to do this.

COLONEL NOLAN

said, he thought it quite right that suspicion should be cast on this particular class of gun. He gave notice that to-morrow he should ask the Secretary of State for War what class of gun had lately been supplied to the Navy? He should also repeat his Question to the Secretary to the Admiralty.

MR. CHILDERS

said, he would answer the Question addressed to him at once. Only a few days ago he gave very detailed information as to the guns which had been supplied to the Navy.