§ MR. PARNELLasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that last week upwards of 350, No. 12 gauge, double-barrel fowling pieces were purchased at Birmingham through Major King-Harman, R.A., Assistant Superintendent for Small Arms Factory, from Messrs. Webley and Son, Robert Hughes, Charles Pryce, and others; and, whether he has any information as to the purpose and destination for which those guns are intended?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that I know nothing of the details of the purchase, but that I have authorized a certain number of double-barrelled guns to be bought for use by the soldiers employed on personal protection duty, in preference to the single-barrelled rifle they now use.
§ MR. HEALYWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has heard that Major King-Harman purchased these 350 guns, and if their destination is intended for the Orangemen?
§ MR. CHILDERSNo, Sir; I cannot state the destination of any guns purchased except for the Public Service. I know nothing of this particular circumstance. I could not know except it was for the Public Service.
§ MR. HEALYMight I ask if Major King-Harman is entitled to use his position as Superintendent of the Small Arms Factory to buy guns for private persons?
§ MR. CHILDERSThe hon. Gentleman must give me Notice of the Question. Speaking at the moment, I should say that the usual duty of a public officer is to act only in the Public Service.