§ 77. Mr. Speirasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make an appeal to the public for the surrender of unwanted firearms and ammunition.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerYes. In view of the serious risks to the public which arise from the retention in private hands of firearms and ammunition for which there is no legitimate use, Her Majesty's Government appeal to all persons holding such weapons or ammunition to help to reduce the risks to themselves and others by handing them over to the police.
It is a punishable offence to hold a firearm or ammunition without a certificate. But in order to encourage the surrender of firearms or ammunition which are unlawfully held, I have asked chief officers of police in England and Wales, with whom enforcement of the Firearms Act, 1937, rests, to ensure that proceedings for unlawful possession are not taken against anyone who surrenders 219W firearms or ammunition by 31st October. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Lord Advocate have taken corresponding action to ensure that such proceedings will not be taken in Scotland against anyone who surrenders by that date firearms or ammunition unlawfully held.
The Government appeal to all concerned to take advantage of this opportunity. Firearms and ammunition may be handed in at any police station.