HL Deb 15 December 1997 vol 584 cc72-3WA
Lord Burton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who it is intended will comprise the Home Office Review Body on Firearms Legislation in 1998; and when it is intended to hold the first meeting.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government's first priority is to secure the complete ban on handguns which will be achieved when all .22 handguns are surrendered for compensation. We shall then consider whether any further steps are required to secure public safety. No timescale has been set but we propose to consult widely with all interested parties if we consider further steps to be necessary.

Lord Burton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are commencing, or when they will commence, a multi-force scrutiny into the administration of firearms in the United Kingdom.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

It is for the Association of Chief Police Officers, in consultation with individual chief constables, to determine whether to conduct a multi-force scrutiny as proposed into the administration of firearms in the United Kingdom.

Lord Burton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary's Thematic Inspection Report into the administration of firearms licensing in England and Wales.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

A copy is already in the Library.

Lord Burton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have commenced, or will commence, an up-to-date report or thematic inspection in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary into the administration of firearms licensing.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary look at all aspects of police administration, including firearms licensing, as part of their inspection process. They have no plans at present for a thematic inspection on firearms licensing.