§ 61. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is only a limited quantity of machinery in the country which can turn out steel shells for Artillery; whether this machinery is practically confined to Government arsenals and armament firms regularly engaged in the manufacture of steel shells; whether he is aware that there is an abundance of machinery in the country which could easily be used or converted for the manufacture of cast-iron shells; and whether the War Office has now ascertained that the Germans are using cast-iron shells?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe question of the existing supply and distribution of machinery for making shells is being considered by the Ministry of Munitions of War, which is anxious to take full advantage of all suitable machinery. The War Office inform me that it has been stated that the Germans are using cast-iron or cast-steel shells, but no special inquiry has been made.