§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks are made on the people to whom firearm licences are awarded.
§ Mr. Charles WardleUnder the Firearms Act 1968, firearms certificates are issued by chief officers of police. Before granting or renewing a certificate, that chief police officer must be satisfied that an applicant has a good reason for requiring the firearm and can be permitted to have it without danger to public safety or to the peace. A certificate must not be granted to any person whom the chief officer has reason to believe to be prohibited by the Act from possessing a firearm, or to be of intemperate habits or unsound mind, or to be for any reason unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm.