HC Deb 19 June 1984 vol 62 c121W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legislation or practical measures have been taken since 1978–79 to reduce the illegal traffic in arms and their use by criminals (a) in the Metropolitan police area and (b) in the rest of England and Wales.

Mr. Brittan

The Firearms Act 1982 clarified the law in relation to imitation firearms which could readily be converted into lethal weapons. There have been no other legislative measures connected with the control of firearms. The police have concentrated on the effective enforcement of the existing controls, which are extensive, in the Firearms Act 1968. I have announced the intention to increase to life imprisonment the maximum penalty for carrying firearms in the furtherance of crime.