COLONEL NOLAN (Galway)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of first-class ironclads have guns mounted in barbette, and if these would be disabled if hit at the hole and within a few feet of the muzzle by shot of 4.7 guns when fired with the new powders; if the 4.7 guns can fire 10 shots a minute?
§ LORD G. HAMILTONSix of the 19 first-class ironclads have their main armament mounted in barbette. The chases of these guns are in common with guns placed in turrets exposed to injury by shot. As to the probable effect of a shot from a 4.7 gun on the chase near the muzzle, I must refer the 780 hon. and gallant Member to the answer to a similar question put by him to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War on Tuesday. It has not been found practicable to give the chase of these guns greater protection, but as they will usually be pointed towards the enemy they will present a comparatively small target.