HC Deb 17 July 1900 vol 86 cc226-7
* SIR CHARLES DILKE

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the plant for the manufacture of picric acid in this country is considered by the Admiralty to be sufficient to meet the strain of naval war, and whether any stops are being taken to increase it.

* MR. WYNDHAM

I think this is a question that I should answer. The plant in this country is now sufficient to meet the needs of both services, and to provide for the accumulation of large reserves; but in order to meet needs even in excess of that standard, steps are being continually taken to increase the available plant; three new factories have recently been started.

* SIR CHARLES DILKE

But is it not the case that picric acid cannot be kept in reserve?

* MR. WYNDHAM

I imagine it can be kept for some time, or the' word "reserves" would not be used.