§ 4. Mr. ALBERYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information as to the source from which the arms and armament used by the Afridi in recent operations were obtained?
§ Mr. BENNI cannot give precise information; but in recent years supplies of arms have unfortunately been freely available in neighbouring countries, largely as the result of the abandonment or loss of arms during the Great War or in subsequent periods of disturbance, and no doubt the tribesmen have obtained supplies piecemeal from various sources in this way.
§ Mr. ALBERY: Has the right hon.Gentleman had any reason to believe that quite modern arms are supplied to the Afridi from a neighbouring source? Has he made inquiries, or does he not think that it is of sufficient importance to inquire into?
§ Mr. BENNThe question was very fully considered, and the information that is available has been given in the answer that I have read.