§ SIR FREDERICK MAPPIN (York, W.R., Hallamshire)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether cast iron shot and cast iron shell, now manufactured at Woolwich Arsenal, can be purchased from manufacturers in this Country precisely the same in quality as those now supplied at Woolwich; whether he will have tenders issued, to ascertain the prices at which manufacturers will supply cast iron shot and shell to the Arsenal; and, whether, if such prices are less than the cost of making such shell at the Government arsenal, he will take such steps and issue such orders that the time of highly paid officials may be in future better and more profitably employed than at present?
§ THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF ORDNANCE (Mr. NORTHCOTE) (Exeter)(who replied) said: The answer to the first paragraph is Yes. Tenders were issued by public advertisement last year, and orders to a considerable extent were given to the trade. The prices of the tenders accepted were, however, slightly higher than the cost of making at the Royal Laboratory. Further orders will depend upon the requirements of the Service.