§ MR. HANBURYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in June, 1888, the War Office advertised for designs for Infantry range finders, and about 17 out of some 200 sent in were selected for trial; whether, subsequently, a further competition took place between Major Watkin's instrument and that of 197 Mr. Lynnm, of Dundalk; whether it is the fact that the War Office has refused to allow Mr. Lynam to see the results of this competition; whether Major Watkin, who has already received a very large sum for another range finder, is in Government employment; and whether Mr. Lynain's instrument did, or did not, prove superior in accuracy and speed to that of Major Watkin?
§ MR. BRODRICKDesigns for Infantry range finders were advertised for in May, 1888. About 40 specimens or descriptions of instruments were received, of which four (including Mr. Lynam's and two of Major Watkin's) wore selected for further trial. It is contrary to the practice of the War Department to allow inventors to see the Reports which are made upon their inventions. Major Watkin is in Government employment. After very careful consideration the Committee, while admitting the accuracy of Mr. Lynam's instrument, were of opinion that Major Watkin's was better adapted for the rough work of a campaign.
§ MR. HANBURYIs it the practice to invite persons to compete, and then to give them no opportunity of judging whether the War Office has treated them fairly or not?
§ MR. BRODRICKIn a competition of this character the Reports are not given to the various competitors because they might be damaging to individuals.
§ MR. HANBURYAre they informed whether they won the competition or not?
§ MR. BRODRICKOf course, they are informed whether they have succeeded or not.