§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state whether the designs for the new guns were ready in July,1901, and the trial guns not ordered until February,1902; and when were the experimental batteries ordered.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe conditions for preparation of designs of new guns for trial were formulated in July,1901, and designs were called for the same month. The designs were received in October,1901, and numerous modifications had to be discussed and arranged. The orders for eight trial guns were given in February,1902. The trial guns were delivered in August and September,1902, and subjected to various trials. None were satisfactory, and modified designs were prepared to which the experimental batteries were ordered in December,1902.