HC Deb 15 March 1984 vol 56 cc493-4
5. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make a statement on his assessment of the effect of his national publicity campaign about the misuse of air weapons in November and December 1983.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Douglas Hurd)

First indications from police forces suggest that the campaign succeeded in making people more aware of the law on air weapons. Some forces said that the campaign had also reduced levels of misuse but most said that it was too soon to judge this. We will be better able to assess what effect the campaign had on misuse when the statistics on air weapons offences become available.

Mr. Chapman

As there is strong evidence that in the use of air weapons teenagers are the main culprits, especially in shooting at pet animals, will my right hon. Friend make his national publicity campaign a continuing one, especially by using the media during school holidays?

Mr. Hurd

My hon. Friend knows that there are special restrictions on the use of air weapons by teenagers. For example, it is illegal for them to buy or hire an air weapon. When we have a clearer or complete evaluation of the success of the recent campaign, we shall consider how to revive it.

Mr. Loyden

Will the Minister investigate the use of imported high-velocity air guns from Germany? One of my constituents, a veterinary surgeon, has complained about the number of animals that are brought to his surgery with bones shattered and deep penetrations as a result of th use of air guns. Will he pay specific attention to high-velocity guns when he is considering air gun control?

Mr. Hurd

We have to keep a close eye on the technical development of these weapons. If the hon. Gentleman sends me particulars of the case to which he has referred, I shall look into it.

Mr. Loyden

I have already sent the details to the Minister.