HC Deb 20 May 1909 vol 5 cc721-2W
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether reports were made to the War Office in August, 1907, that several thousand Martini-Henry rifles had been sold in New Zealand to a British firm; and whether he can account for the fact that a number of these rifles have been smuggled into Afghanistan?

Mr. HALDANE

The Reports to the effect stated were not received in the War Office until January, 1908. The Governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand have intimated a course of action which will prevent such sales in future.