If the government were concerned about muggings or other street crime, the solution would not be to ban everyone from walking on the streets!
A total ban in pre-1947 items containing ivory would, in my opinion, be similarly disproportionate. The starting point in any discussions should acknowledge this.
Moreover, if a licensing system is to be introduced, it also needs to be proportionate, fully taking into account the likely effects on holders, traders and licensers of such pre- 1947 items containing ivory.
Only a fair and sensible system will turn out to be in any way effective.
Ali Bhatia
Collector
