§ CAPTAIN GRICE-HUTCHINSON (Aston Manor)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the European Sims-Edison Electrical Torpedo Company, having 1603 failed to obtain any assistance or encouragement from the officer deputed by the War Office to attend the trial at Stokes Bay in February, 1892, has, in consequence, had to transfer its operations to France; whether he is aware that two of these torpedoes have been constructed by an eminent firm in France, and favourably reported on to the French Government by a committee of naval officers; and whether, in view of the fact that France may acquire the right to these torpedoes and the secret of their construction at any moment, he will give to the company such aid as may be requisite so as to secure to this country the possession of what is one of the most advanced systems of dirigible torpedoes at present known?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe trials referred to have been kept under observation. It is not considered that the Sims-Edison electric torpedo has the advantages possessed by the torpedo already in our Service.
§ CAPTAIN GRICE-HUTCHINSONWhat was the Report of the officer, and on what grounds did he base it?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThat would necessitate a long and technical answer. Our officers are well aware of all the facts concerning this torpedo, and have come to their decision deliberately.