HC Deb 10 November 1920 vol 134 cc1174-5
69. Mr. MYERS

asked the Secretary of State- for War if his attention has been drawn to a report that a Renfrew firm are in the course of executing an order for gas shells, the number involved stated to be 3,000,000; and, if so, will he state the destination of the shells referred to?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

The War Office has no knowledge of this order.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Would it be possible for orders of this kind to be given and executed without the War Office knowing anything about it?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Not by the War Office. It could not be at all, I understand.

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

Is there any Department of the Government capable of giving orders of this sort, and no Member of the Government being aware of it?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

No, that is not the case. It is a foreign Government's order.