§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific conditions and regulations apply to the purchase of (a) a revolver, automatic or rifle and (b) a shotgun.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesBroadly a revolver or rifle may be bought only by the holder of a firearm certificate which specifies the number and description of weapons the holder is authorised to acquire, and a shotgun only by the holder of a shotgun certificate—which imposes no specific conditions as to purchase. A special authority from me is required for the purchase of an automatic weapon.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations have been made from sporting interests concerning tighter control of shotguns;
(2) whether representations have been made by sporting interests opposing a tightening of control on purchase of shotguns.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSome shooting interests have expressed outright opposition to tighter controls; others have represented that any changes should not impose undue restriction on freedom to pursue legitimate sporting activities.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to tighten up the law on the supply of shotguns; and when he proposes to take such action.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI have it in mind to include in future legislation to amend the Firearms Act 1968 provision for stricter criteria for the grant or renewal of shotgun certificates. I cannot yet say when such legislation may be introduced.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions are put on people purchasing shotguns; and what rules are laid down for their safe keeping.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesIn general, it is an offence to purchase a shotgun without holding a current shotgun certificate, which the police would not issue if the holder's possession of a shotgun would316W present a danger to the public safety. No specific requirement is imposed for the safe keeping of shotguns.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of crimes in which firearms have been used in each of the last 10 years; and in how many of these shotguns have been used.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe information available was published in table 3.3 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1977 ", Cmnd. 7289.