§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to require shotgun certificates to specify the number, make and serial numbers of shotguns concerned; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to ensure that owners of shotguns should be subject to the same controls as the owners of other firearms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdAlthough the controls on shotguns are less stringent than those on rifles and pistols, they are still extensive. Under the Firearms Act 1968 the chief officer of police must satisfy himself on a number of issues before granting a shotgun certificate. The main test is the applicant's character: some people are prohibited under the Act from possessing firearms of any kind — for example because of previous convictions, and others may be granted a certificate only if the chief officer is satisfied that they can be allowed to possess a shotgun without danger to the public safety or the peace. The maximum penalty for possessing a shotgun without a certificate or for not complying with a condition on a certificate is six months' imprisonment and a fine of £1,000. For selling a shotgun to a person without a certificate it is three years' imprisonment and a fine.
We have no plans at present to place shotguns on the same footing under the law as rifles and revolvers or to require shotgun certificates to specify the information suggested. There are also practical difficulties connected with the latter: shotguns do not have unique serial numbers.
We recognise that this is an area of widespread public concern and we shall continue to keep the law on shotguns and other firearms under close review. The Home Secretary has also announced plans to lengthen to life imprisonment the maximum penalty for carrying firearms, including shotguns, in the furtherance of crime.