Gun Clubs (Hansard, 14 November 1989)

§ Mr. Waddington

Following the two recent tragic shooting incidents in the Greater Manchester police area I have considered carefully whether further steps need to be taken to tighten controls on gun clubs in the interest of public safety.

Under section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 a member of a rifle or pistol club approved by the Secretary of State may, without holding a firearm certificate, have in his possession a firearm and ammunition when engaged as a member of the club in, or in connection with, target practice. This exemption does not extend to club members who are involved in competition, for which a firearm certificate is required.

Both of the recent shootings involved a person who had gained access to firearms and ammunition by signing on as a day member of a shooting club. Having reviewed the matter carefully, I am minded to decide that in future clubs operating day or temporary membership schemes shall no longer be approved by me. Any applicant for probationary membership of an approved club will be required to be sponsored by two full members of the club both of whom are firearm certificate holders.

Probationary members when in possession of firearms or ammunition will be required to be constantly supervised by the range master or a full member of the club holding a firearm certificate. Probationary members, who must under the club's scheme remain probationers for at least six months, must also be given a course of instruction in the safe use of guns. No club should at any time have more probationary members than full members.

These proposed arrangements reflect the high standards which already operate in many approved clubs. I have no wish to impose unreasonable burdens on genuine gun clubs. But the public have a right to expect that they should be operated with proper regard for public safety. The package of controls which I propose will help to ensure that only those genuinely interested in pursuing the sport will attain full membership. It will also help to exclude those interested in guns for the wrong reasons. It will also ensure that probationary members are properly selected, supervised and instructed.

Approved gun clubs will continue to be encouraged to offer properly constituted probationary membership schemes for novice shooters. They will also be allowed to organise open days for those interested in taking up the sport, but those attending will not be allowed to possess, handle or use firearms. Full members of approved gun clubs will continue to be allowed to become visiting members of other approved clubs.

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Section 15 of the 1988 Act which came into operation on 1 July 1989 gives the police new power to enter and inspect club premises. This power will be used to ensure that clubs are complying with the provisions of the section and any limitations in the Secretary of State's approval.

Before reaching a final decision on these proposed new controls I am asking the Firearms Consultative Committee as a matter of urgency to let me have its views following its next meeting on 30 November.