HC Deb 26 February 1953 vol 511 cc2290-1
36. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, with a view to encouraging firearms to be voluntarily surrendered, he will give instructions that no penalty shall be imposed upon any person who is in possession of a firearm without having a licence for that purpose and who surrenders that firearm to the police by a specified date.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have this matter under consideration, but am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Janner

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that this might be a very appropriate time, and provide a very good excuse, for making this particular concession to those in possession of firearms, because it would be very helpful, I think, to get these handed in in such quantities as would, possibly, prevent further trouble?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I realise the importance of what the hon. Member has said, and I have taken certain preliminary action. The matter is very much in my mind.