§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, in reference to the inquest upon the body of Gunner John Addis, killed at Camden Fort, Cork, by the bursting of the breech of a 40-pounder gun on the 15th instant, whether he is aware that Captain Ord, Gunnery Inspector, stated at the inquest that an accident occurred about five years ago and the breech was blown away; and that the Record-book of the Ordnance authorities shows that the gun in question was examined in 1899 and reported as having a fissure in the vent; and can he state whether an Artillery Militiaman engaged upon artillery practice is in the same position as regards War Office regulations as an artilleryman of the Regular forces engaged on active service, and will the War Office authorities give any compensation to the relatives of the deceased if it should be proved that his death was occasioned by a defect in the gun.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI informed the hon. Member yesterday that a report was expected upon this subject. When that report has been received and considered, I shall be ready to enter upon the questions he raises.
§ MR. FLYNNIf the inquiry is shown to be due to the fault of the War Office, would that not place the case on a different footing?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThat does not enter into the question. If the injury is incurred in the service, it does not matter whether it is the fault of the War Office or not.