Mr. Ronald W. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, having regard to the potential 58W power and high muzzle velocity of the Smith and Wesson 0.357, 0.41 and 0.44 Magnum revolver and similar weapons, if he will publish in the Official Report the number of certificates issued to private individuals for the ownership of such weapons and the reason for possession during the years from 1979 to the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. MayhewRecords of the number of certificate holders possessing weapons of this type are not held centrally, and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Certificates for these and oilier firearms are issued only to applicants who can satisfy the stringent requirements of the Firearms Act 1968.