§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether there are at this moment nearly 200 muzzle-loading 9-pouuder guns in the hands of the Royal Artillery in India; whether these guns are of an obsolete pattern condemned many years ago; and how soon a modern breech-loading gun can be supplied to the whole 214 of the Royal Artillery in India, provided that immediate orders be given to all establishments in the country capable of manufacturing them?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe Royal Artillery in India have in their possession 120 muzzle-loading 9-pounder field guns. These guns are not condemned as obsolete, though they are not of the latest pattern of field gun. The whole supply of the new guns could probably be produced in a year, if the Indian Government gave the order for them; but this is a question for the consideration of the Indian Government, which would have to provide for the cost.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIs it not a fact that the Indian Government have already given an order for the guns?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThat is not according to my information.