§ COLONEL NOLANasked the Secretary of State for War, If he can state the number of breech-loading guns supplied during the past financial year to the Navy; the system of breech-loading on which these guns were constructed; and, at whose recommendation such system was adopted?
§ MR. CHILDERSNone, Sir, during the past financial year. But during the present year 16 25-pound 4-inch guns, weighing each 22½ cwt., have been issued. The system is known as the French system, with some improvements by Sir William Armstrong. It was adopted, on the recommendation of the Director of Artillery, and approved by both the late and present Ordnance Committees.