§ MR. ALFRED PEASE (Yorks, Cleveland)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the coast defences contemplated by the Military Works Act, 1897, have been completed; and whether these works have received their armaments, including large guns; and, if not, how many of the heavier guns have yet to be supplied, if these are ordered; and when he anticipates that all the guns will be in position?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.In reply to the first paragraph the works in question are progressing steadily; but it was never contemplated, nor indeed would it be possible to complete the works within the time which has elapsed since the passing of 635 the Act. In regard to the second paragraph, my honourable Friend will understand that it would be undesirable to make public the exact details of the progress made.