§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, Whether the steel forgings of the 63-ton gun, contracted to be delivered at Woolwich in 1883, have yet been received at the Gun Factory; and also, whether any orders have been given or contracts entered into for the steel required for the manufacture of the additional breech-loading guns which the Government i3 under engagement with Parliament to produce in the course of the ensuing financial year and the following years?
§ MR. BRANDThe two steel forgings for the 63-ton gun ordered in 1883 have been delivered and paid for. I may add that the two similar forgings ordered in January, 1884, have been promised by the contractor within the present financial year. As to the second Question, I have to say that some contracts have already been made, and others will follow immediately.
§ LORD EUSTACE CECILasked whether the contracts had been made with firms in this country or abroad?
§ LORD EUSTACE CECILsaid, the hon. Gentleman was doubtless aware that there were only two firms in the world by which such work was done—Messrs. Armstrong and Messrs. Krupp.
§ MR. BRANDsaid, that was rather too strong an assumption. It was true that it was the case some time ago; but he had reason to believe that there were now other firms by which it could be done.