§ MR. JACKSON (Leeds, N.)asked the Secretary of State for War, If 1177 it is a fact that the Hotchkiss quick firing guns, supplied for use in the Navy, were made at the Hotchkiss facttory in France; if it is a fact that, although the body of the gun was made and supplied by an English firm, the gun was finished in France; and, whether in future contracts for machine or quick firing guns, for use in the Army or Navy, it will be stipulated that the guns shall be manufactured and finished in this Country?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (, &c.) StirlingIt is a fact that of the Hotchkiss quick-firing guns for naval use the six-pounders were made at the Hotchkiss factory in France, and I believe that the steel forgings for these guns were supplied by an English firm. Subsequently, it has been found that Mr. Hotchkiss was able to arrange for the manufacture in England of his three-pounder guns of the same type, and a number of these are under order. In future contracts for guns of this description careful consideration will be given to the point whether it is practicable, without undue delay, to obtain the weapons in this country.