§ LORD SWANSEAasked Her Majesty's Government:
Under what circumstances a permit may be issued by the police for the possession of a firearm and ammunition without a certificate under Section 4(12) of the Firearms Act 1937; what rules, if any, are made by the Secretary of State for the guidance of the police in issuing such permits; and how many permits under this section have been issued during each of the last five years.
§ LORD STONHAMPermits are issued by the police for the possession of firearms and ammunition under Section 4(12) of the Firearms Act 1937 when it would not be appropriate to grant a full firearm certificate. No rules have been made by my right honourable friend, but the police have been advised about the circumstances in which it would, in his view, be appropriate to issue a permit. These circumstances exist where a person is temporarily in possession of a firearm—for example through the death of a relative or refusal or revocation of a certificate—and needs time to dispose of it. Permits are also issued on occasions to persons from abroad coming into this country to take part in shooting matches.
House adjourned at minutes past ten o'clock.