MR. FRENCH-BREWSTERasked the Surveyor General of Ordnance, Whether it is true, as stated in the public Press, that a six-inch breech-loading gun has burst during practice on board H.M.S. Active; and, if so, whether the gun in question was of steel or iron, and of the latest pattern?
§ MR. BRANDIt is true that a gun burst during practice on board Her Majesty's ship Active. It was a mark II. 6-inch breech-loading gun, having a steel tube and a wrought-iron jacket. The latest pattern of the 6-inch gun is built entirely of steel.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked whether the Government could give any information as to the cause of the accident, and whether the gun itself exhibited any sign of weakness?
§ LORD EUSTACE CECILAnd where the gun was made—at Woolwich Arsenal or not?
§ MR. BRAND, in reply, said, that he had not received a final Report; but there was no reason to believe that the accident was due to any fault in construction. The gun was made at Elswick, but was of Woolwich design. It was fully proved, and successfully stood the test. He might also say that the burst occurred at a point not subject to great pressure. It was intended to appoint a Committee to inquire into the cause of the accident.