§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reverse the escalating use of firearms by criminals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewThe number of firearms reported to have been used in crimes in 1981, the latest year for which figures are yet available, was the highest recorded for almost all types of weapon, but they were used in only about one quarter of 1 per cent. of all notifiable offences recorded. The proportion of offences in which firearms were reported to have been used has not altered significantly in recent years, and in 1981, as in previous years, in no offence group did it exceed 10 per cent.
The Firearms Act 1968 already lays down strict controls over the possession and use of firearms. My right hon. Friend is not persuaded that more stringent controls would have a significant effect on the level of crime or that the substantial extra work-load these would create for the police would be justified. Heavy penalties, up to life imprisonment in some instances, can already be imposed for those who use firearms for criminal purposes.
The measures which police forces take to combat armed crime are an operational matter for chief officers, and my right hon. Friend is sure that they will continue to do all that they can to ensure that offenders are detected and brought before the courts. In that they have the Government's full support.