§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Marylebone, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the statement contained in an evening newspaper of Saturday, June 2, is correct—namely,
That two certainly, probably three, out of the four heavy guns of the Rodney, 69-ton B.R., are practically useless, and that one of the Warspite 24-ton guns is in the same condition;and, if not correct, whether he can assure the House that these guns are perfectly sound and efficient and ready for active service whenever they may be called on?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The detailed Report on the examination of the Rodney's guns has not yet been received; the delay is due to the time occupied in obtaining impressions of the bore of guns of such magnitude. I regret, however, to have to confirm the report that the liners of two of the guns are cracked. As regards the Warspite's 9.2 inch gun that had its liner cracked, it will be replaced by another gun, to be issued this week.