§ 23. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of recent bullion robberies and other attacks on custodians of large sums of money, if he will introduce legislation to allow such custodians to be armed with authority to shoot if attacked, as one method of reducing this type of crime.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe issue of firearms certificates is a matter for chief officers of police, but it remains my view that only in very exceptional circumstances should a firearm be held for protection purposes.
§ Sir C. OsborneIn view of the increasing brutality of the attacks upon ordinary civilians whose job it is to look after large sums of money, does not the Home Secretary think that bank clerks and Post Office workers are entitled to better protection? If he will not accept this, what suggestion can he offer to protect them?
§ Mr. JenkinsI do not accept this. I have had the opportunity, as no doubt many other hon. Members have, of studying the position in the United States and elsewhere, and it remains my view that an armed police and, still more, armed private individuals, would be much more likely to lead to an escalation of violence with increased danger for everybody rather than increased protection.
§ Mr. OgdenIs my right hon. Friend aware that Sir Ronald Howe, the ex-Deputy Commissioner of Scotland Yard and the present Chairman of Factory Guards Ltd., has said that firearms are unnecessary and not in the public interest, and the present managing, director of Securicor has said that it is unnecessary to give his men firearms? Would he oppose any attempt by the uninformed to arm the uniformed?
§ Mr. JenkinsThe expression of view and conclusion of my hon. Friend is in accordance with my own conclusion.