HC Deb 05 July 1955 vol 543 c933
18. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent losses of arms or ammunition from Government stores in Cyprus have occurred in recent months.

Mr. Head

The right hon. Member may be referring to recent reports in the Press about the theft of arms. I am informed that no arms or ammunition from Army stocks have passed into the hands of civilians in Cyprus.

Mr. Bellenger

Bearing in mind the depredations which occurred in the Middle East—not far from Cyprus—and the very disturbed circumstances which now prevail in Cyprus, has the right hon. Gentleman issued stringent orders that commanding officers should pay very close attention to possible thefts or disappearance of arms from military establishments?

Mr. Head

That is always a standing order, particularly when local inhabitants show signs of hostility, but I would remind the right hon. Member that in the Canal Zone we had vast stores of ammunition and weapons and that situation has not obtained fully in Cyprus.

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