HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 cc991-2
33. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether instructions have now been issued to all chief constables informing them that in the event of individuals declaring the possession of firearms and having no certificate for them, no prosecution should take place; and whether he will make it clear whether such weapons made available for national defence will remain the property of the individuals concerned, or what the position is?

Sir J. Anderson

The police already have instructions to accept without formalities firearms surrendered by persons who have no firearm certificate authorising their possession, and I do not think there is any need for me to remind chief officers of police of this. As regards the second part of the Question, such persons have been required to sign an undertaking that they abandon all right to the firearms surrendered, and I think this practice must be maintained.

Mr. Mander

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind that there is a number of persons who possess these firearms who are reluctant to surrender them for confiscation, but would be only too glad to hand them over on loan, without any guarantee even that they would be returned?

Sir J. Anderson

I am very reluctant to arouse any expectations which may not in practice be fulfilled, and I see a great difficulty in giving any sort of assurance that property will be returned.

Mr. Shinwell

What do the police do with these weapons when they are surrendered? Are they to be kept until the end of the war? Cannot they be handed over to the military?

Sir J. Anderson

That is one of the main objects we have in mind.

Mr. Mander

Is the Home Secretary aware that I am not asking for any guarantee that they will be returned?

Sir J. Anderson

I am quite aware of that, but I am not quite sure what I am asked to do.

Mr. Mander

Return them if you can.