HC Deb 27 November 1969 vol 792 c125W
Mr. Kimball

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons or companies have the authority to deal in prohibited weapons; how many fall within the category of manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and private persons, respectively; and in each case to what extent the authority from the Defence Council is limited to specific categories falling under Sections 5(1)(a), 5(1)(b) and 5(1)(c).

Mr. Elystan Morgan

The functions of the Defence Council under Section 5 of the Firearms Act, 1968 with respect to prohibited weapons and ammunition were transferred on 1st November, 1968 to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Following are particulars of the 103 authorities in force in England and Wales to deal in prohibited weapons or prohibited ammunition.

To whom given Number Categories under section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968
Manufacturers 34 (a)
1 (b) and (c)
1 (c)
Importers 3 (a)
Wholesalers 31 (a)
1 (b) and (c)
1 (c)
1 not limited
Retailers 12 (a)
2 (b) and (c)
1 (c)
Scrap merchants 15 (a)