[Portland] xdg-open - Error showing URL

[Wallace Turner]

Firstly:
xdg-open --version gives
xdg-open 1.0.1

using debian linux (lenny) and gnome-core 1:2.14.3.6


xdg-open textfile.txt     works.

xdg-open  http://gmail.com     fails.

"Error showing url: There was an error launching the default action
command associated with this location"

Any help appreciated