HC Deb 09 March 1904 vol 131 cc573-4
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he will consider the expediency of communicating with the Secretary of State for War, with a view to secure the manufacture at the Government ordnance factories in India of some of the new Army equipments required for service in that country.

MR. BRODRICK

The Government of India are at present taking steps for the manufacture in India of horse and field artillery guns and mountings, and rifles, and the factories at Cossipore, Jubbulpore and Ishapore are being equipped with the most modern machinery for the purpose. The principle of making India as far as possible independent of assistance from home in the matter of war material has been pursued by the Government of India during recent years. All equipments other than guns and rifles are already manufactured locally.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman make the same suggestion as regards Ireland?

MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)

Will this manufacture of artillery not clash with what is being done in this country for India, as explained by the Secretary for War?

MR. BRODRICK

The factories are not equipped for the provision of the guns which the War Secretary has put at the disposal of the Indian Government.