§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, how many robberies there have been where it is known or suspected that the offenders had sawn-off shotguns and other such weapons; and whether he will introduce legislation to provide the death penalty for illegal possession of sawn-off shotguns, whether used or not.
§ Mr. BrittanThe statistical information requested is published annually in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales "—table 3.4 of the volume for 1978, Cmnd. 7670. The use of the death penalty is an issue on which this House expressed its view as recently as 19 July 1979, and in the light of that decision the Government have no plans to introduce legislation such as the hon. Member suggests.