7. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will obtain reports from chief constables as to how many shotgun licences have been issued by the police in Scotland since the introduction of the new regulations.
§ Mr. BuchanI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on 16th October to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor)—[Vol. 770, c. 142.]
Earl of DalkeithMay I express the hope that the figures given in the answer showing the number of shotgun certificates issued will convince the hon. Gentleman and his party propagandists that shooting is not a sport that is confined to a handful of opulent aristocrats?
§ Mr. BuchanI think the hon. Gentleman is referring to members of the party opposite in that respect. Of course we recognise that. This is why there has been a generous acceptance of most of the applications made. I recognise the ideological difference between a practising farmer and a member of the aristocratic class which the hon. Gentleman knows so well.