§ Mr. LaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the ban on handguns will prevent shooting events being staged during any international games held in the United Kingdom. [92760]
§ Mr. BanksProhibited weapons may not be possessed without the express authority of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. During the passage of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 through Parliament, it was agreed that provision could be made for competitors in pistol events in major competitions such as the Olympics or Commonwealth Games to be granted temporary authority to allow them to bring their pistols into the country for the duration of the event. Indeed, the European Police Pistol Championships were held in this country shortly after the prohibition on handguns took effect, and I understand the arrangements worked smoothly and no problems were experienced by any of the competitors.
§ Mr. LaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what provisions have been made to allow sportsmen and women who have previously represented 245W the United Kingdom in events using handguns of a calibre now banned to continue to compete in future Olympic and Commonwealth Games. [92759]
§ Mr. BanksThe Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 prohibited handguns of the type used in competition shooting, but it applies only in Great Britain. There is no bar to British pistol shooters practising and competing abroad in whatever disciplines or events they wish. I understand that some competition shooters have chosen to practice and compete in this way.