HL Deb 05 October 2000 vol 616 cc1813-4 (".—(1) This section applies to any enactment which—

  1. (a) is contained in an Act passed before or in the same Session as this Act, and
    2. 1814
  2. (b) relates to things done in public places or places to which the public have access.
(2) Regulations may provide that, in determining for the purposes of any specified enactment to which this section applies whether a place is a public place or a place to which the public have access, the right conferred by section 2(1), or access by virtue of that right, is to he disregarded, either generally or in prescribed cases.").

The noble Lord said: The amendment will enable regulations to be made to avoid possible undesirable consequences arising from access land being treated as a public place under other legislation. We do not envisage that there are many areas, but one example, which was raised by the Countryside Alliance, relates to firearms legislation. The Firearms Act 1968 provides that a person may not carry a loaded shotgun or firearm with ammunition in a public place without reasonable excuse. It seems right that that should apply to members of the public but there is a strong case for saying that farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and others should be able, as now, to carry firearms without having to show authority to the courts. The amendment is therefore tabled to deal with such situations. I beg to move.

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

I beg to move that the House do now resume.

Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.

House resumed.