§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the growing practice of robbers arming themselves with shotguns, rifles, and so on, he will introduce legislation making it mandatory on courts to impose a life sentence on any person caught with a firearm when breaking the criminal laws.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:No.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of recent events, he has any immediate proposals to introduce legislation to make the purchase and dissemination of shotguns more difficult.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:I have it in mind to bring forward legislation to amend the Firearms Act, which would include tightening the control over the purchase and possession of shotguns, but I cannot say when there will be an opportunity to introduce such legislation.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will con cider another amnesty allowing holders of illegal firearms to surrender them without risk of prosecution.
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§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:I shall consider whether an amnesty might be granted before any changes in the law next take effect.