XN000022-1973-01-22 — Page 3

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Monday, January 22, 1973

The law relating to the legal possession of arms is both concise

and strict.

Before a licence is granted, the prospective licensee has to

convince the licensing authority that the weapon is required for a

legitimate purpose and that the arrangements for the storage of such

arms are sufficient to ensure their security.

Furthermore, the licensee is subject to restrictions as to

how, when and where the weapon may be used.

There are two main reasons for the strict licensing laws, firstly

to prevent arms from falling into the hands of persons who wish to use

them for an unlawful purpose, and secondly, to ensure the protection of

ordinary citizens from unnecessary injury.

The term "arms", as referred to in the Arms and Ammunition Ordinance

(Chapter 238), includes -

(a) every firearm of any description;

(b) every air gun; and every other kind of gun from which

any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged;

(c) every sword, cutlass, spear, pike, bayonet, dagger,

fighting iron, flick knife, gravity knife or other

deadly weapon;

(d) every part of any such firearm gun or deadly weapon;

(e) any gun, pistol or other propelling or releasing

instrument or mechansim, from which any shell

cartridge, bomb, grenade or projectile, containing

any gas or chemical, could be discharged.

/By section 4