§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of recent criminal acts involving the use of replica firearms and the case with which these can be converted to fire real ammunition, he will now propose banning their manufacture, import and sale in Great Britain.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe great majority of replica firearms cannot easily be con6W verted to fire live ammunition. A replica firearm which could be so converted might well be subject to control under the Firearms Act 1968. Many millions of toys and replicas which might be mistaken for a real weapon are in private hands and I am not satisfied that it would be practicable to control them.
The maximum penalty for possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence or to resist arrest is 14 years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.