§ 31. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now make a statement on the matter of promoting the voluntary surrender of firearms of persons who are in possession of a firearm without having a licence, on the understanding that no penalty will be imposed if these are handed over to the police by a certain date.
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothI regret that I am not in a position to add to the reply my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member on 26th February.
§ Mr. JannerIt is a long time since 26th February. Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is not very much more time before a certain event will take place which will provide an excuse for bringing in the concession for which I am asking? Will he reconsider the matter quickly, as the suggestion I have made should be brought into effect while the time is ripe for it?
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothThe hon. Member knows very well that the question of waiver of penalties is always very difficult. I think that, in view of that, the time spent on considering it has not been excessively long.