§ Mr. JOELasked the Home Secretary if he will state the results of the appeals issued recently by the different chief constables to the public with the object of reducing to the minimum the number of firearms in private ownership?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, as a result of his general appeal issued through the Press and the British Broadcasting Corporation, on the 11th–12th April, to persons holding firearms without lawful authority, 1,452 firearms (including 1,137 pistols and revolvers) had been surrendered up to 30th April in the Metropolitan Police District. The Commissioner also informs me that, in consequence of notices issued by him at an earlier date in connection with the periodical renewal of firearm certificates, the numbers of surrenders of pistols and revolvers by persons who, on consideration, found they had no clear need for their firearms, have been increased by about 300 to 400 above the normal. As regards the position in other police districts, I propose to call for a return from all chief constables which will show the numbers of firearms surrendered up to 31st May next. I would take this opportunity of reminding members of the public that the Commissioner of Police has announced that no action will be taken in the case of any person residing in the Metropolitan Police District who, being in unlawful possession of a firearm, surrenders it at a police station before the 31st May.