§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the arrangements for the disposal of surplus firearms; and in what circumstances surplus Browning pistols have been offered for sale in the United Kingdom by arms dealers.
§ Mr. PattieA quantity of surplus Browning pistols was sold earlier this year by the Ministry of Defence. I understand that a number were resold by the company concerned to other registered firearms dealers and to persons holding valid firearms certificates, and that the provisions of the Firearms Act 1968 have been observed. Further sales of a similar kind by the Ministry have been suspended, and our disposals policy is under review.