§ 12. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received to date in support of increasing the control of firearms.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe principal local authority associations, the Magistrates' Association, the National Farmers' Union and various bodies representing the police are among those who support the introduction of more stringent controls over certain firearms.
§ Mr. HicksBefore any final decision is made by the Minister as to whether further legislation is required, will she bear in mind rural areas, in which shooting is a long-accepted interest? Shooting involves a wide cross-section of society and has been long established. I hope that this will be borne in mind.
§ Dr. SummerskillI have announced at a previous Question Time that the Government intend to introduce legislation to improve the existing controls over shotguns—in the next Session, we hope. However, I shall certainly bear in mind what the hon. Member has said. I am not sure that the legislation would interfere with the practice he has described.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWhen considering this legislation, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is growing apprehension about the irresponsible use of high-powered airguns? In my constituency vandalism affecting both private and 1802 public property has been occasioned by the firing of such guns, and animals and people have been injured. When preparing this legislation, will my hon. Friend seriously consider whether these guns might be made unavailable except under licence?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe existing controls over such weapons as rifles and pistols are adequate at present. There are no proposals to make them more stringent. The legislation will concern shotguns. Figures show that since 1970 shotguns have been used in crime more frequently than any other weapons subject to certificate control.