HC Deb 11 December 1900 vol 88 c495
MR. WARNER

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether a large order has been given for guns for the Army; and, if so, what steps are being taken to increase the establishment of artillery, and how far the new batteries which it was decided to raise this year have been raised.

* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

As regards the guns, all those required for the approved establishments have been ordered. As regards the batteries of the seven Horse Artillery and forty-eight Field Artillery batteries authorised in this spring, all the former and forty-five of the latter have been raised. This is in addition to the sixteen batteries raised in the years immediately preceding.

* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the new quick-firing guns are yet in the possession of these batteries?

* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

I cannot answer that question without notice.

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Are the new guns of the same pattern as those sent out to the Army in South Africa, or a new pattern?

* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

They are in many respects a new pattern.