§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Government adhere to the promises with regard to the re-armament of the artillery with quick-firing guns, made in the Memorandum of the Secretary of State prefixed to the Army Estimates of the present year; and whether orders have 1349 yet been given for proceeding with the manufacture of the gun, in addition to the orders for India, the cost of which falls upon the Indian Exchequer.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.I prefer not to give any pledge with regard to the programme next year until I submit the Estimates to the House. Arrangements are now being made for placing nine batteries of Horse Artillery and six batteries of Field Artillery with the trade, in addition to the orders for India. Orders to the Government Factories will be given later.
§ *SIR CHARLES DILKEBut why so small an order after your promises?
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI consider it a large order.
§ *SIR CHARLES DILKEWhat, six batteries?
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThat is in addition to the Indian order. When I made my statement I said it was only intended to order in this current year the batteries for India. I think the right hon. Gentleman must have in mind my promises for next year.