HL Deb 07 March 1961 vol 229 cc277-8

2.35 p.m.

VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARD

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider introducing some form of safety and proficiency test before members of the public are issued with gun licences or firearm certificates.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRIETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (EARL BATHURST)

My Lords, a gun licence is a revenue licence and does not, of itself, entitle the person to whom it is granted to possess or use a firearm. The possession and use of firearms and ammunition are controlled by the Firearms Act, 1937, under which the responsibility for the issue of firearms certificates rests with chief officers of police. A firearms certificate is issued only if the chief officer of police is satisfied that the applicant has a good reason for requiring the firearm or ammunition in respect of which the application is made and can be permitted to have the firearm or ammunition without danger to public safety or to the peace. On the information at present available, Her Majesty's Government have no reason to think that there are sufficient grounds for introducing a further safeguard on the lines suggested by the noble Viscount in respect of firearms for which a certificate is required. The question whether further restrictions should be imposed on other types of gun is raised in a Bill which is at present in another place, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.

VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARD

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his Answer. I did not know what he has just told me—namely, that a Bill has been raised in another place on this subject. As that is so, I have no further comment to make.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, does not the noble Earl think that the noble Earl, Lord Home, might be subjected to an early test?

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