HC Deb 25 June 1973 vol 858 cc280-1W
Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's estimate of the number of toy and model guns in circulation in the United Kingdom at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Carlisle

The information on which to base such an estimate is not available, but the British Toy Manufacturers Association has suggested to us that there are more than 15 million toy guns in private hands throughout the country.

Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has received about the proposal to ban certain toy and model firearms contained in the consultative document "The Control of Firearms in Great Britain".

Mr. Carlisle

Eighty at the latest count, comprising written or oral representations from three firms and two trade associations concerned with the manufacture or import of toy guns, 28 letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of constituents, and 47 letters from members of the public.

Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish a list of those countries where there is any kind of ban on model firearms.

Mr. Carlisle

We do not have a full list but I am considering what further information might be obtained and I shall write to my hon. Friend.