HC Deb 05 May 1983 vol 42 cc392-3
19. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the number of firearms held illegally in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Mayhew

The acquisition and possession of firearms is controlled under the Firearms Act 1968. We are satisfied that the existing controls are generally effective and are not persuaded that further specific measures to reduce the number of firearms held illegally, such as an amnesty, would be justified at this time.

Mr. Bennett

Does the Minister accept that there is extreme concern in the Greater Manchester area about the increasing number of robberies that involve the use of firearms? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that many of those holding firearms appear not to have long criminal records? They seem to be able to get hold of firearms very easily. Is it not important to take steps to take illegal firearms out of circulation by means of an amnesty or other such action so as to tackle the problem at source, rather than simply considering the question of punishing such offenders if and when they are caught?

Mr. Mayhew

Amnesties have to be offered very carefully and generally the practice has been to do it, if at all, only after a change in the law. I would be more impressed by the hon. Gentleman's concern if he had not, together with his colleagues, taken every opportunity to vote against the proposal in the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill to give powers to the police to stop and search people on reasonable suspicion that they were carrying offensive weapons.

Sir Anthony Kershaw

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that his campaign against those holding firearms illegally does not appear to have been as successful as his campaign against holding them legally? Is he aware that people who have firearms for sport and recreation have been irritated by police and Home Office action against them, which has made not the slightest difference to criminals?

Mr. Mayhew

I think it is right to examine carefully any means that may reasonably result in reducing the number of illegally held firearms, but it is equally important that those who hold them for perfectly proper reasons—there are about 700,000 firearms certificates in this country—are not unreasonably imposed upon.

Mr. Lawrence

Would not the most effective way of reducing the number of illegally held firearms be for magistrates and judges to impose effective deterrent sentences?

Mr. Mayhew

I am a great believer, as is my right hon. Friend, in deterrent sentences. These matters fall to the discretion of the judiciary, as my hon. and learned Friend knows.