§ Mr. Simon Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the amount of arms used by schools and youth organisations and cadet forces; if he is satisfied that adequate methods for the safe-keeping of these weapons are general; and to 126W what extent police forces have the necessary authority to ensure that proper measures are taken at all times to protect such arms from theft.
§ Sir F. SoskiceShooting clubs run by schools and youth organisations normally seek my approval under the Firearms Act, 1937. Before giving my approval I ask the police to satisfy themselves that they are responsibly run. One of the standard conditions for the issue of firearm certificates to full bore rifle and pistol clubs is that when not in actual use the firearms and ammunition to which they relate must be kept in a secure place. I am satisfied that these arrangements work well in practice.
The question of arms and ammunition used by cadet forces is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.