§ 27. Mr. Brooksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that officers of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals travel about the country armed with guns with which they are entitled to shoot animals on the spot; and, in view of the potential danger to the public, whether he will introduce legislation to end this practice.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganAn officer of the R.S.P.C.A. has no special dispensation from the requirements of the Firearms Act, 1968. He may not possess the humane killers provided by the Society unless he has a firearm certificate, which is granted only if the chief officer of police concerned is satisfied, inter alio, that an applicant can be permitted to have the firearm without danger to the public safety or to the peace. My right hon. Friend sees no need for any new provision.
§ Mr. BrooksIs it not slightly disconcerting that several hundred heavy 2125 calibre 0.32 weapons are in the hands of inspectors throughout the country? In view of the obvious risk that these weapons might fall into criminal hands, would it not be more sensible if the inspectors were supplied with the relatively safe but effective incapacitating device which many veterinary surgeons use?
§ Mr. MorganThe 0.32 calibre Webley and Scott pistols are in the hands of only those inspectors to whom a firearms certificate has been issued. I am not aware that there is any reason to suppose that firearms held by R.S.P.C.A. officers constitute a source of danger to the public.