HC Deb 11 May 1908 vol 188 cc717-8
MR. HART-DAVIES

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has any cognisance of a gun alleged to have a range of over 100 miles: and whether this weapon has been acquired by His Majesty's Government.

MR. HALDANE

The War Office has no official cognisance of a gun with this remarkable range and has not had the good fortune to acquire such a wonderful weapon.

MR. HART-DAVIES

was understood to ask if the War Office would take steps to inquire further?

MR. HALDANE

I am getting old, and more and more sceptical, but we watch these things closely, and should the gun turn out as it is said to be going to, my hon. friend may be sure that it will not escape our attention.

MR. ARTHUR LEE

If the projectile had such a velocity as is suggested—50,000 ft. a second—would it not be melted before it could reach its objective?

MR. HALDANE

I am only a humble layman, but I have Do reason to question the conclusion put forward by the hon. and gallant Member.