§ Offences in England and Wales recorded as known to the police in which a firearm was used: 1970 to 1973.
| 1970 | … | … | … | 1,359 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | 1,735 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | 1,930 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | 2,480 |
§ NOTE.—The figures in these tables are on the same basis as those in Tables 22 and 1 respectively of the previous Government's Green Paper" The Control of Firearms in Great Britain" on Cmnd. 5297.
Mr. Macfatlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why shotguns do not have the same licensing controls as rifles and pistols.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe differences derive from the fact that regular use of shotguns in crime is a relatively recent development. I have under consideration the question whether the present law is adequate.
§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many licences for shotguns were issued in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and the first six months of 1974, respectively;
(2) how many firearm licences were issued in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and the first six months of 1974, respectively.
§ Dr. SummerskillI regret that full information could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. A special survey conducted in 1972 showed that at 31st December 1971 in England and Wales the number of firearm certificates in force was 190,649, and the number of shotgun certificates, excluding visitors' shotgun certificates, was 715,453. Both types of certificate may relate to more than one weapon. My noble Friend will obtain comparable information for 31st December 1974, and will write to the hon. Member.