HC Deb 12 February 1891 vol 350 c496
MR. GOURLEY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is true that the new split band of the Sanspareil 110-ton gun, on being tested, showed signs of shifting, and that each round fired caused the muzzle of the gun to droop, inclining it to one side; and whether he is bound to accept the gun from the manufacturers, irrespective of test?

LORD G. HAMILTON

The gun is still under proof, and some further rounds are about to be fired, including some against a 20-in. compound armour plate, with an 8-in. wrought-iron plate behind it. A detailed Report will be made in the usual course when the tests are completed. The Admiralty is not bound to accept this or any other gun irrespective of test.