HC Deb 22 March 1934 vol 287 cc1387-8
8. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary whether the firearms collected by the police recently on instructions from his Department still belong to the individuals who handed them over to the police authorities; and whether it is intended to return them to all or any of their owners for any purpose?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir, there is no question of returning these firearms, and most, if not all of them, have no doubt already been disposed of.

Mr. DAVIES

May we take it that in the event of civil disturbance it is not intended that these arms will be returned to their owners?

Sir J. GILMOUR

All I can say is that arrangements were made beforehand that the War Office should take over all these arms and that that has been done.

Mr. DAVIES

May we take it that the War Office will not hand these arms over to the new Defence Corps in case of civil disturbance?