§ Sir Jerry WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the firearms administration office at New Scotland Yard is to close in 1997; and what steps are being taken to provide alternative arrangements to serve the public. [17450]
§ Mr. MacleanI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that firearms licensing functions currently discharged by the firearms licensing branch at New Scotland Yard will be devolved to each of the five areas of the Metropolitan police district on 1 April 1997. A small team will remain at New Scotland Yard with a policy development remit for firearms licensing.