HC Deb 05 March 1900 vol 80 c26
CAPTAIN NORTON

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it has been brought to his notice that some of the field artillery guns at the front in South Africa have recently been found defective from corrosion caused by the use of cordite; and whether any steps are being taken to rapidly replace these guns.

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS (for Mr. WYNDHAM)

Spare guns have been sent out to replace any which may be found defective. It is not the case that cordite has a "corrosive" effect, although the constant use of the gun, whether with cordite or any other explosives, will in time wear out the tube.

*MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

Does not cordite cause erosion of the barrel of the gun?

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

I was asked if it had any corrosive effect, and my answer was "No."