§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the increasing external danger to India, he is yet prepared to consider the repeal of the Arms Act, so that Indians may no longer feel both degraded and helpless in the face of danger?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Government of India has in contemplation an Amendment 1689 to the Schedule of the Arms Act in order to remove racial discrimination. The Act itself does not seem to me to warrant my hon. and gallant Friend's language.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs my right hon. Friend aware that in a country in which there are a considerable number of dangerous wild beasts it is most essential that people should have the right to carry arms?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI admit the force of my hon. and gallant Friend's argument, but a great deal of confusion exists between the Act and the Schedule to the Act. We are going to amend the Schedules to the Act, but I do not think the Act itself requires Amendment.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it not the case that licences are given as a matter of course on application for the purpose of dealing with wild beasts?