§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to require potential purchasers of airguns, catapults and martial arts devices to obtain a certificate from the police prior to purchase; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawHigh powered air weapons are already subject to control under the Firearms Act 1968 and a firearm certificate is required for their purchase and possession. The Act also controls the sale of low powered air weapons to young people under 17 years of age. We have no plans at present to introduce further legislation concerning air weapons or to licence other potentially offensive articles such as martial arts devices and catapults. We have already issued guidelines to traders about the sale of martial arts equipment, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. We would expect traders to exercise the same degree of responsibility in respect of the sale of catapults.