HC Deb 12 December 1949 vol 470 c233W
91. Mr. Shephard

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the antique weapons being sold at the Ministry of Supply's depôt at Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, were acquired without payment from the public during 1940; and what compensation is being offered to the original owners.

Mr. M. Stewart

Large quantities of all types of weapons were received from many sources, including His Majesty's Customs and Excise, police forces and overseas theatres without any indication being given of the original owners. It is not possible to say how or when these antique weapons were acquired or who the original owners were. Where an owner has asked for the return of his weapon every effort has been made to trace and return it to him.