HC Deb 16 February 1984 vol 54 cc372-3
12. Mr. Mark Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can make an assessment of the results of the national campaign held in December 1983 to make people more aware of the law relating to the possession and use of air weapons and of the dangers of misuse.

Mr. Waddington

It is too early to assess what effect the campaign has had but we shall evaluate it with the help of the police and others in the coming months.

Mr. Robinson

In view of the threat posed to livestock by technological developments, such as increasingly sophisticated air weapons — [HON. MEMBERS: "Reading."]—will my hon. and learned Friend review the Fire Arms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969—[HON. MEMBERS: "Reading."] — with a view to broadening categories of air weapons declared to be especially dangerous?

Mr. Waddington

The Home Office forensic science laboratory monitors technological developments in air weapon design. We are satisfied that there is no need at present to widen the category of specially dangerous air weapons in the 1969 rules, but we shall keep the matter under review.

Mr. Allan Roberts

Is the Minister aware that many parents are concerned about the possession of air weapons by teenagers? Does he agree that the law needs strengthening to prevent them obtaining possession of these weapons? Surely we should not encourage anyone to have guns, no matter how weak it is suggested the guns may be?

Mr. Waddington

We would submit that the problem is less one of inadequate controls than of enforcing existing controls. The existing controls are more restrictive than is often supposed. A firearms certificate is required for the purchase of more powerful air weapons. Stringent restrictions on the purchase and use of these weapons are in force.

Mr. Farr

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the Dyfed-Powys police authority in Wales held a very successful teach-in last week for young people on air weapon control and handling? Will he examine the results of that teach-in and consider whether the same procedure should be adopted by all police authorities?

Mr. Waddington

I shall do so.