HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 cc490-1W
Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many shotguns were used in the course of crimes committed in each of the last five years in the West Mercia police area;

(2) how many crimes involving the use of shotguns were committed in the West Mercia police area in each of the last five years.

Mr. Carlisle

The numbers of indictable offences known to the police in the West Mercia police area in which the principal weapon used was a shotgun were five in 1969, two in 1970 and one in 1971. The number of shotguns used on each occasion, and figures for earlier years, are not available.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of the shotguns used in crimes committed in the West Mercia police area during the last five years, how many were used after being stolen, and of how many the origins were not traced.

Mr. Carlisle

I am making inquiries of the Chief Constable of West Mercia and shall write to my hon. Friend.