HC Deb 15 February 1985 vol 73 cc314-5W
Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those individuals and statutory or non-statutory organisations which submitted criticisms on the Deer (Firearms Etc.) (Scotland) Order 1984; if he will detail the nature of these criticisms; in each case specifically when each criticism was received by his Department; and if he will list the criticisms he intends to accommodate in the new draft.

Mr. John MacKay

Criticisms were received from Dr. J. Carr (14 September 1984); Lord Northfield (21 October 1984); Mr. K. W. Woodvine (23 October 1984); The British Deer Society (30 October 1984); The Gun Trade Association (26 November 1984); Mr. J. Hotchkis (3 December 1984); and Mr. J. R. Seago (17 January 1985). Criticisms mainly concerned the circumstances in which shotguns might be used and the specification of ammunition for rifles. My right hon. Friend expects to meet some but not all of the points made. For details I would ask the hon. Member to await the draft order which will be laid before Parliament shortly.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what constituted the apparent irregularity in the laying procedure of the draft Deer (Firearms Etc.) (Scotland) Order 1984; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

Some corrections made to the draft order after it had been laid were not submitted to the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he made a public statement or formally indicated the withdrawal of the draft Deer (Firearms Etc.) (Scotland) Order 1984.

Mr. John MacKay

A press release was issued on 27 November 1984, the date on which the draft order was withdrawn. In addition, all those involved in consultations were informed by letter.