HC Deb 21 December 1944 vol 406 cc1993-4W
Sir I. Albery

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to return sporting firearms and cartridges to those who voluntarily placed them at the disposal of the L.D.V. when first formed.

Sir J. Grigg

When the appeal for shot-guns was issued to the public in 1940 lenders were asked to take them to police stations. The police passed them direct to Territorial Army Associations, with a note of the lender's name and address. In the early part of this year most of them were returned by Territorial Army Associations (or in some cases by Home Guard Unit Commanders) direct to the lenders, so far as these could be traced. Shot-guns required for operational reasons could not, of course, be returned at that time, while some shot-guns had become damaged or had been destroyed, in which case compensation was payable. I understand that cartridges were used for training, but I am inquiring into this.

Wing-Commander James

asked the Secretary of State for War how many sporting guns were loaned to the Home Guard; and how many have been subsequently returned to their owners.

Sir J. Grigg

When the appeal for shot-guns was issued to the public in 1940, lenders were asked to take them to the police stations. The police passed them direct to Territorial Army Associations with a note of the lender's name and address. In the early part of this year most of them were returned by Territorial Army Associations (or in some cases by Home Guard Unit Commanders) direct to the lenders so far as these could be traced. Shot-guns required for operational reasons could not, of course, be returned at that time, while some shot-guns had become damaged or had been destroyed, in which case compensation was payable. I regret that the figures asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend are not readily available.