§ 6. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to curb, and increase penalties for, the illegal sale, possession and use of firearms; and if he will review the conditions under which firearms, including air guns and air rifles, may be legally sold, possessed and used.
§ Mr. CallaghanStatutory controls over the sale, possession and use of firearms have been progressively strengthened in recent years and adequate penalties are available to the courts. The situation is kept under constant review.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonDoes not the disturbing number of armed robberies and such outrages as the firing into the public bar of a public house in my constituency indicate that there are still far too many firearms in too many wrong hands? 1426 Has the right hon. Gentleman closed his mind to further strengthening the firearms legislation and the administration of that legislation by the police?
§ Mr. CallaghanThere have been two Acts dealing with this matter. The 1965 Act strengthened the maximum penalty for most of the offences of illegal possession of firearms, and did so substantially. For possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, under the 1968 Act the penalty is 14 years or an unlimited fine or both, and for offences of burglary with firearms, robberies and wounding with intent, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. The offences are adequately covered by penalties. It is for the police, who are rapidly growing in numbers, to ensure that they are enforced and for the courts to pass adequate sentences.