HC Deb 20 May 1931 vol 252 cc1971-2
56. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information as to the circumstances in which a large quantity of arms and ammunition were purchased in this country on behalf of an ex-ruler of Afghanistan; and were they purchased from any Department of the British Government?

Mr. SHAW

A contract was entered into by the War Department with a British firm in 1928 for the purchase of a quantity of surplus arms and ammunition which were destined for the Government of King Amanullah, but no delivery was taken.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that armaments are being manufactured secretly in this country to-day and exported to Soviet Russia?

Mr. SHAW

No Sir. I am not aware of that.

Mr. R. A. TAYLOR

On a point of Order. May I ask you, Sir, whether in the case of a supplementary question, a Member is under the same obligation with regard to correctness in his facts as he is in the case of putting a question on the Order Paper?

Mr. SPEAKER

That obligation applies to all statements made by Members of the House at all times.