§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for an independent review of the costings on the basis of which gun licence fees have been increased.
§ Mr. BrittanA review of the basis of calculation of firearm fees is being carried out. It is normal practice for such a review to be carried out by the Department concerned, and in this case it is being conducted in consultation with the police, who are responsible under the Firearms Act 1968 for administering the certification procedure. The views expressed by the British Shooting Sports Council and other interested bodies will be taken fully into account, and there will be opportunities for further consultation when the review is completed.