§ Mr. Bostonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a warning about the restriction on possessing shot guns that is to come into force on 1st May; and whether, as regards other weapons, he will circularise chief officers of police asking them to accept any firearms or ammunition unlawfully held.
§ Mr. CallaghanOn and after 1st May, 1968, owners of shot guns must have shot gun certificates. Those who do not wish to obtain certificates should dispose of their shot guns by 1st May through the trade, or privately, or by handing in unwanted shot guns at police stations. Those who intend to apply for certificates may do so at any police station from tomorrow, and should apply as soon as possible.
As for other weapons, I have consulted chief officers of police in England and Wales and, on their advice, I have asked them to ensure that proceedings for unlawful possession are not taken against any person who surrenders an illegally held firearm or ammunition to the police during the period from 1st February to 30th April, 1968. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has arranged with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate that such proceedings will not be taken in Scotland. Firearms and ammunition may be handed in at any police station, and I urge everyone who has an unauthorised weapon to take the opportunity of this temporary amnesty to dispose of it.