§ MR. JOICEY (Durham, Chester-le-Street)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that it has recently become a practice to fire very large guns from Tynemouth Castle, thereby causing great nuisance to the inhabitants of Tynemouth, as well as serious damage to the fine ruin of Tynemouth Priory, and other property; and, whether he will make arrangements to discontinue it?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Tynemouth Castle has been a coast defence work for at least three centuries; and if the mouth of the Tyne is to be defended it is absolutely necessary that heavy guns should be mounted on the site. Early in this year opportunity was taken of the emplacements to test the mountings by firing 50 rounds from a 9.2-inch breech-loading gun, and it is intended shortly to fire the same number from another gun. I am not aware of any damage to the ruins of Tynemouth Priory; but I understand that some modern glass not of great value was broken in the Lady Chapel. Such an accident can, I understand, be easily guarded against in future.
§ MR. JOICEYasked, whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the guns were only sent there to be tested; that great annoyance was given to the inhabitants; and that deaths of invalids had been caused?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, that as little inconvenience as possible was caused. He feared guns must be tested somewhere.