§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War, What progress has been made in the manufacture of the new breech-loading guns for the Navy for which provision was made in the Army Estimates for the year; whether the 43-ton gun has been finally adopted, after proof; and, what other large guns have been tested and adopted for the Service, and under what circumstance a 6-inch gun recently failed on trial?
§ MR. CHILDERSWith respect to the first Question, nothing has occurred since in Committee of Supply on the 7th of August I answered a similar Question, except that fair progress has been, and is being, made. As to the 43-ton gun, a pattern has been adopted for those under manufacture. Further trials are shortly to be made, which may lead to some change of pattern for future years. As to the third Question, an 18-ton breech-loading gun has been tested and adopted. As to the fourth, a 6-inch breech- 626 loading gun which has been tested has failed at the 269th round; and the causes are being carefully inquired into with the Ordnance Committee.