§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which companies have been granted licences under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 to handle, distribute, store or manufacture electro-shock batons in the last five years. [22969]
§ Mr. MacleanSection 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 prohibits the possession, purchase, acquisition, manufacture, sale and transfer of electric shock weapons without the authority of the Secretary of State. No company has been granted or has held authority under this section specifically in respect of electric shock weapons in the last four years. No current authorities are in place in respect of electric shock weapons. Information about the granting of authority for that purpose in earlier years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mrs ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces in Britain have acquired electro-shock batons, for any purpose, including as samples, in the last five years; and if section 5 firearms licences have been granted in relation to these items. [22968]
§ Mr. MacleanThe Home Office does not collect information on this subject. I understand that a survey by the Association of Chief Police Officers of electric shock devices held by police forces in England and Wales in February 1995 found that 22 had obtained electric shock shields and, in some cases, cattle prods for use against 679W ferocious dogs. Police forces do not require licensing or authorisation under the Firearms Act 1968 in relation to these articles.