§ Captain JESSELasked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has been accepting cordite below the standard test; and, if so, whether he could state the reason; and whether the reserves of cordite in the magazines are now equal to the usual amount so kept?
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§ Mr. HALDANENo cordite has been accepted which did not pass the standard test. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether any cordite manufactured at the Waltham Government Factory has been rejected by the inspectors at Woolwich?
§ Mr. HALDANEYes, some cordite has been rejected for ballistics, but practically all has been subsequently re-submitted after re-blending. Some of this has not yet been re-tested.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether cordite can be manufactured without the use of acetone; and whether explosive so made is different in ballistic values and generally utilised under the name of ballistite?
§ Mr. HALDANECordite can be made without the use of acetone. Acetic ether or ethyl acetate can be employed as a solvent for cordite, but it has not been used in this country on a commercial scale. Ballistite is made with soluble nitro-cotton, and for this alcohol can be used. The wet process is mixing wet guncotton with the nitro-glycerine instead of dry, and does not affect the solvent afterwards used.