Sir A. Bailieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has given to chiefs of police with regard to the withdrawal of firearms; whether the 1937 Act has been suspended in war-time; and what reasons he accepts from applicants for permission to hold licences for firearms.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe Firearms Act, 1937, has not been suspended or modified in any way in war-time. As I explained in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton (Mr. Summers) on 18th January, the grant or renewal of a certificate under the Act is dependent on the applicant satisfying the chief officer of police that he has a good reason for the possession of the firearm. The decision is entirely one for the discretion of the chief officer of police on the merits of each individual case.