(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Home Affairs whether he can make any statement concerning the smuggling of a large number of machine guns from London to Russia; whether he can state the number of guns so consigned, the method by which they were conveyed to Petrograd and what steps he is taking to prevent further machine guns being dealt with in a similar manner?

Such a transaction would involve an offence under the Fire Arms Act. The police are now investigating the matter with a view to proceedings. I think it would be contrary to the interests of justice in these circumstances, for me to make any statement at present.