HC Deb 13 July 1897 vol 51 cc24-5
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, having regard to the fact that £265,320 has been expended in connection with the Brennan torpedo, and that out of this sum £110,000 was paid for the invention, will he state whether the torpedo was perfected at the time the invention was purchased; and, if not, how much of the remaining £155,320 has been expended in perfecting the torpedo?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

The Brennan torpedo was a perfected invention when the purchase was made, though improvements have since taken place which have involved some comparatively small additional cost.

MR. WEIR

Will Members of this House be permitted to see this torpedo? [Laughter.]

MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS

If the hon. Member wishes to become closely acquainted with the torpedo, possibly an opportunity might he given to him. [Langhter.]

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