§ 25. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements for the police to communicate with all holders of certificates for firearms, with a view to requiring them to place them at the disposal of the Local Defence Volunteers; and whether he will take similar steps with regard to holders of gun licences for shotguns?
§ Sir J. AndersonMy hon. Friend's suggestion is being considered.
§ Mr. ManderWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the time is past for relying on voluntary action in this matter and that compulsion should be exercised to require these arms to be brought forward?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt is much more a matter for the military authorities than for me. My desire has been at all times to do what I can to facilitate what they wish to secure in the interests of defence.
§ Mr. ManderWill an answer be given by the War Office if I put a Question down?
§ Sir J. AndersonIf my hon. Friend will put down another Question next week, I will do my best to answer it.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this suggestion has been put forward both to him and to the Secretary of State for War regularly almost every other day for the last four weeks, and when is a decision to be arrived at? Who is holding up a decision? Why does it take so long to reach a decision about so simple a matter?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe position is that the military authorities came to the conclusion that they did not desire to avail themselves of this particular procedure, but I have been informed in the last two days that they wish to give further consideration to the matter.
§ Mr. LipsonWould not legislation be required?