HC Deb 11 October 1976 vol 917 cc44-5W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations were held with the interested organisations before the recent increase in the cost of the grant, renewal, replacement or variation of a firearms certificate was announced; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Summerskill

Advance notice was given on 6th August 1976 to the Secretary of the Long Room Committee, the Director General of the National Farmers Union, the local authority associations and the police of the Government's intention to increase the fees with effect from 1st October 1976. The fees are fixed to do no more than recover to the police their actual costs as stated at the end of 1975 of administering, but not enforcing, the certificate procedures. The Department of Prices and Consumer Protection was consulted and accepted the need for the increase.