§ 16. Mr. LEVYasked the Home Secretary what is the total number of firearms surrendered to the police in response to the recent invitation; arid can he give an estimate of the number still retained in private possession under permits?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I informed the House in reply to a question on the 10th July last, the total number of firearms surrendered by the public, in response to the appeal for the surrender of surplus firearms, was 16,409, of which 12,622 were pistols and revolvers, 3,706 were rifles, 73 were antique firearms, and 8 were unclassified in the returns made by chief officers of police. I regret that I have no information on which I could base an estimate of the number of firearms retained in private possession.
§ Mr. LEVYDo I understand from that reply that no records are kept of the number of permits that are given to enable this total to be arrived at?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROf course, these firearms are supposed to be registered, but I have no records that would permit of my forming a judgment as to the number.
§ Mr. LEVYWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I point out to him that my question is as to whether he can give an estimate of the number of firearms in the possession of private individuals with permits?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat information is not available to my Department, and it would require immense research at enormous cost.