HC Deb 20 December 1937 vol 330 cc1598-9
41. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the loyal Arabs as well as the Jewish farmers in Palestine have appealed for the right to have arms to defend themselves; and will he grant such request?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I do not know of such a request. So far as I am aware the issue of licences for the possession of arms in approved cases has not been suspended.

Colonel Wedgwood

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask whether these applications have to be made to the Government in Palestine, if not to him, and will he say how many more people have to be murdered before they are allowed to defend themselves?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I think that in all cases where the Government have reason to believe the arms will not be abused and will be securely retained, and not fall into the hands of those guilty of these outrages, licences under due conditions continue to be issued.