Earl Fortescueasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they plan to restrict the sale of crossbows; and if they would make a statement
The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)In consultation with the police and other interested parties we have been considering whether any steps can usefully be taken to prevent the misuse of crossbows. The law relating to cases of actual misuse is already extensive and my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has concluded that there are no significant gaps.
Crossbows are however dangerous weapons in the wrong hands, and we do not consider that they are suitable to be in the possession of unsupervised young people. Accordingly, the Home Office proposes to issue a guidance notice to traders urging them not to sell crossbows to persons under 17. The Government approve, in principle, of a statutory prohibition on the sale of crossbows to persons under 17, and on their purchase, or possession without supervision, by young people. In the absence of an early opportunity for government legislation on this matter, the Government would look favourably on an initiative by a Private Member if a suitable Bill were to be introduced. In consultation with the responsible crossbow sports organisations, we also propose to prepare and issue a code of safe practice for crossbow users.