§ 84. Captain BOWYERasked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that a special licence has been granted to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs which allows them to supply rifles and ammunition without obtaining authority under Defence of the Realm Regulation 30a, whereas all firms are forced to obtain a special licence on each occasion under the Defence of the Realm Act; and will he either grant to all traders the same privileges that are now extended to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs or, in the alternative, withdraw from the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs the privilege they are now enjoying at the expense of their trading competitors?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative. The Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs exists solely for the purpose of encouraging rifle shooting, and the special licence which was issued after due consideration only enables the Society to supply the rifles and ammunition to affiliated clubs.
§ Captain BOWYERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the intolerable persecution suffered by traders under the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations, and how much longer are they going to continue?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not aware of any persecution. I am sure it is not intentional.