§ 4. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arms trading licences were issued by his Department, at the latest stated date; on what criteria these are issued to applicants; and whether he will list those who hold such licences.
§ Mr. TaverneMy right hon. Friend has no authority to issue arms trading licences, and there is no record in my Department of firearms dealers.
Under the Firearms Acts 1937 and 1965 firearms dealers must be registered with chief officers of police who may impose conditions designed to prevent thefts of firearms and ammunition. Chief officers may refuse registration if they are satisfied that the business in question would endanger public safety or the peace; and the courts may prohibit the registration of persons convicted of certain offences.