§ 21. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that existing controls on the sale of firearms are sufficient to ensure that such weapons do not fall into the hands of unsuitable or irresponsible persons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe question of the restrictions to be placed on the sale of firearms was fully discussed when the Firearms Act, 1965, which substantially strengthened the law, was before the House. That Act has been fully in operation for only eight months and, although I am keeping the situation under review, it is too early to consider further changes.
§ Mr. HuntWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that shotguns, for example, are freely obtainable from mail order firms, and that such weapons are now coming into the country in increasing numbers and create a potentially very dangerous situation? If he is really serious in his intention to tackle the crime wave, is it not time that the sale and availability of these shotguns was brought within the firearms certificate procedure?
§ Mr. JenkinsThe type of shotguns which are freely available and which can be used without special exemption were considerably restricted under the Firearms Act. I must pay some regard 884 to the burden of inspection which I can put upon the police. The police do not consider that it would be right to make an extension at the present time.
§ Mr. RankinIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the Government have just appointed a gentleman to further the sale of firearms? What is he doing to stop them getting into unsuitable hands?
§ Mr. JenkinsI think that this is a matter of export rather than import.
§ Sir J. HobsonWhat information has the right hon. Gentleman got about how the new Act has been operating during the last eight months?
§ Mr. JenkinsI do not think I could usefully give the House information without notice, but I have reason to think that the Act has been working effectively.