§ 8. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider allowing rifle clubs approved by his Department to have the facility of acquiring all 22 rifles handed in to the police during the last few weeks.
§ Mr. EdeWeapons surrendered to the police by the public are handed over to the Central Ordnance Depot, and I do not think it desirable to authorise any departure from this practice. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is prepared 1257 to consider applications from approved rifle clubs for 22 rifles which are surplus to the requirements of the Armed Forces.
§ 14. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his regulations permit the carrying in public of full bore rifles by rifle clubs formed out of the Home Guard
§ Mr. EdeSection 4 (8) of the Firearms Act, 1937, authorises a member of a rifle club approved by the Secretary of State to have in his possession a firearm and ammunition when engaged as such a member in, or in connection with, drill or target practice. Whether the case described by the hon. Member would come within the scope of these provisions would depend on the circumstances, and I have no power to make any regulations on the subject.