HC Deb 23 March 1978 vol 946 cc685-6W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice is given by his Department to the police on establishing the mental condition and temperance habits of applicants for the renewal of a firearms certificate; and if identical practices prevail in the case of shotgun certificates.

Dr. Summerskill

The Firearms Act 1968 provides that a firearm certificate shall not be granted to a person of intemperate habits or unsound mind. There is no such provision in respect of a shotgun certificate, but such a certificate may be refused if it appears that the applicant cannot be permitted to possess a shot-gun without danger to the public safety or to the peace. We have given no guidance to the police on methods of establishing the temperance or mental condition of applicants.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow) on 13th March—Official Report, column 2—if he will break down the increase in administration costs for firearms certificates into its main component categories.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The latest survey covered police time, supporting services, office accommodation and items such as stationery, but the information available centrally is not sufficient to state the categories into which the increased costs fall.