Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the President of the Board of Trade how many public proof houses and branch proof houses for small arms are established by law in the United Kingdom; where are these public proof houses and branch proof houses situated; what authority or authorities control them; and what are-the statutes or other legal provisions under which they exercise their functions?
Mr. BUXTONThere are only two public proof houses, one in London and one in Birmingham, which are respectively under the control of the Gunmakers' Company of London, and the Guardians of the Birmingham Proof House. These authorities exercise their powers under the provisions of the Gun Barrel Proof Act, 1868.