§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in the case of a recent manufacture of lyddite shell by the Government establishment at Woolwich, the number of shell rejected amounted to as much as 90 per cent., and if not, whether he can state the exact percentage; whether he can state the price charged for the shell about to be or being manufactured by Woolwich; and what has been the corresponding price on the part of contractors.
§ MR. HALDANEThe inspection of lyddite shells manufactured by the Ordnance Factories, Woolwich, is not yet completed and the exact percentage of rejections cannot be stated. The prices cannot at present be given—estimates only are available until manufacture is completed. It is contrary to practice to state the contractors' prices.
§ MR. BELLAIRSCannot the right hon. Gentleman indicate approximately the proportion of shells rejected? Was it anything like that stated in the Question?
§ MR. HALDANEI do not think it would be safe to attempt it at present.
§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the explanation offered by the Woolwich authorities, acting as manufacturers, for passing faulty materials which were utilised in the subsequent manufacture of lyddite shell; whether the authorities are in the habit of thoroughly testing their materials before using them; and 609 whether the Government are adhering to the policy of running the Arsenal on strictly commercial lines.
§ MR. HALDANESome material used for manufacture of lyddite shells has developed flaws which could only be found during manufacture or by cutting up the material. All such material has to be replaced free of charge by the contractors supplying it. Materials used in the Ordnance factories are thoroughly tested and the material now under question passed the prescribed tests. The Woolwich Arsenal is so far as is possible for a Government establishment run on commercial lines.