§ MR. ASHLEYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether there is any permanent armament in the landward forts forming the defences of the great naval arsenals of Portsmouth, Plymouth, Devonport, and Chatham; and, if so, what is the nature of such armaments.
§ MR. HALDANEThere is no permanent armament in the landward forts for the defence of our naval ports. Although it was originally intended that they should contain such armament, it is now held to be preferable to provide the garrisons of the forts, which may be of considerable use for purposes of defence, with movable armament which can be used for mobile defence. The naval ports mentioned are all in possession of their movable armament.
§ MR. ASHLEYAm I to understand that these defences are practically of no use at all?
§ MR. HALDANEOn the contrary, they are held to be of more effect than if supplied with fixed guns.
§ MR. ASHLEYasked why Continental nations had these defences for their forts.
§ MR. HALDANEsaid that the recommendations of an extremely competent committee appointed by Lord Lansdowne to deal with this question had been carried out.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Croydon)asked whether it was the fact that any great border fortresses in other countries had been strengthened by the removal of these armaments?
§ MR. HALDANEsaid he did not know what the arrangements as to these armaments were in other countries, 1598 but, being a Scotsman, he would ask the right hon. Gentleman another Question—namely, why, if he held these views now, he did not in other days reverse the arrangement?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERAs an explanation, may I remind the right hon. Gentleman—
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order. There are 159 Questions on the Paper.