§ 43. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 22 December, Official Report, c. 534, why he has decided that there is an insufficient justification for a further amnesty for those holding firearms illegally.
§ Mr. MayhewIt has been the normal practice to relate an amnesty to particular circumstances such as a change in legislation, rather than to hold them at regular intervals. My right hon. Friend is not persuaded that the effect of a further amnesty on levels of crime, without the impetus of a change in the law would justify the expense and police time required.