§ 33. Commander Locker-Lampsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is allowed to carry arms in Palestine; whether the use of rifles, revolvers, and guns, is permitted without licence; and how many people have licences at the present moment?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreAny person may possess firearms who obtains the necessary licence, but the grant of licences is at the discretion of the licensing authority, who is the district commissioner. There is an exception in the case of Bedouin Arabs, who may, subject to certain conditions, carry arms without licence within areas defined by the High Commissioner. The information asked for in the last part of the question is not in my possession, but I will ask the officer administering the Government of Palestine for the latest figures.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the right given exclusively to the Bedouins might not be withdrawn?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo, I think it would be extremely difficult to enforce disarmament on the Bedouins in South Palestine. I understand that the position as regards the calibre of the rifles which they are allowed to carry, and the like, is clearly defined and that there have been no breaches of the regulation and no trouble.
Captain CazaletHave the authorities who give these licences the right to withdraw them any time they think fit?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir, I believe so.