§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the recent trials of the new howitzer have been satisfactory; and whether the new pattern gives more accurate shooting than the old gun.
I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the new howitzer
| From 4th January to 10th October, 1908. | From 1st December, 1905, to 28th December, 1907. | From 1st June, 1902, to 30th November, 1905. | ||
| Woolwich | - | 106 | 3,081 | 4,567 |
| Enfield | - | 18 | 88 | 1,252 |
| Waltham Abbey | - | 30 | 139 | 453 |
| 154 | 3,308 | 6,272 |
§ Although the reductions made by the late Government were very much larger, that was natural because it was very soon after the war, and I have no doubt we should have taken the same course.
1594§ is heavier or lighter than the gun it supersedes; and what approximately is its effective range.
§ MR. HALDANEIn reply to these Questions the new field howitzer is still under trial and it is not considered desirable to publish any results until the howitzer is approved. I think the hon. Member may safely assume that a new pattern will not be adopted unless it is in all respects superior to the old one.
§ *MR. ASHLEYIs it intended that the new gun shall be substantially heavier than the old pattern?
§ MR. HALDANEI would rather not go into details now.