§ CAPTAIN COTTON (Cheshire, Wirral)asked the Secretary of State for War, How many heavy armour piercing B.L. guns are the Spithead Forts intended to carry; how many of such guns are actually in position; how long will it take to provide the entire armament; how long is it since the forts were completed; and, what has been the cost of their construction?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Before the issue of the Army Estimates it was decided, after very careful consultation with my Military Advisers, that details as to the Spithead Forts ought not, in the interests of the country, to be made public. I am afraid, therefore, that I cannot answer all my hon. and gallant Friend's Questions. The forts referred to were constructed at a cost of £1,151,000, and were completed nine years ago. At that time the employment of heavy breech-loading guns was not contemplated. The present armament is, therefore, a comparatively recent arrangement.