§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War when the mounting of the two 9.2-inch guns in the Ravelin Battery at Sheerness was completed; what was the total cost of the guns and their emplacements; for what object were they mounted; how many times have they been fired since the mounting was completed; and on what date the last firing took place?
§ Mr. HALDANEThese guns were handed over in a completed state on 11th February, 1908, to the Royal Artillery. The total cost of guns, mountings, ammu- 6 nition, etc., and emplacements was £54,473. They were mounted for the protection of the approaches to the Medway and Chatham Dockyard. They have not been fired since they were handed over.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWhat is the reason these guns have not been fired, in order to enable the gunners to practice?
§ Mr. HALDANEThey were fired before and they will be fired again in the summer.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware they cannot be fired owing to the foundations having sunk?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am not aware of anything of the sort. All that was put right some time ago; the hon. Member's information is out of date.