HC Deb 03 March 1893 vol 9 c961
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any pattern of light 12-pouuder gun has yet been approved for the Royal Horse Artillery; and, if so, how soon the batteries will be supplied with such gun; and whether any pattern of field howitzer has yet been approved for service for the Army?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No pattern of 12-pounder gun lighter than that now with the Royal Horse Artillery has yet been approved, but a light gun is nearly ready for trial. A field howitzer is at present under trial.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the number of 9-pounder muzzle-loading field guns, now in possession of the Royal Artillery in India, at Home, and elsewhere; what is the number of 12-pounder breech-loading field guns at present available for service; and what reserve of such guns exists?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I have already written to the hon. Member, who will, I feel sure, agree with me that it would be very inadvisable to make public the details he asks for.