§ 25. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances firearms are consigned to military establishments in the United Kingdom by rail and without guard; and in how many instances in 1966 such consignments were lost or stolen in transit.
§ Mr. ReynoldsFirearms are normally consigned to establishments in the United Kingdom in sealed goods wagons, although small consignments are sent by passenger train. There was one instance of theft in 1966; the article stolen was recovered by the police. I am looking further into this matter.
§ Mr. OnslowIs the Minister aware that the incident in question was probably that of an Army F.N. machine gun stolen from a railway delivery lorry by three boys in my constituency? Does he regard this situation as satisfactory? Will he promise that he will do something about it?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThat is the incident to which I am referring, in Woking. As I said at the end of my Answer, I am looking further into this matter.
§ Mr. PowellApart from the individual case, is the Minister reconsidering the wisdom of sending certain types of armament, as at present, by passenger train?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI will say for the third time that I am looking into this matter.