§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to follow up the "Gun Sense is Good Sense" campaign in 1983; and what further measures he proposes to continue education about the hazards arising from misuse of air weapons.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI continue to attach great importance to ensuring that people who acquire air weapons are correctly instructed in their use. It was always our intention to continue the education process after the formal campaign had ended. The material produced in connection with the campaign is still being used, and the television films were shown about 60 times in the first nine months of 1985. In the light of our assessment of the campaign I am considering the feasibility and cost of further campaigns in those areas in which the highest number of air weapons offences have been recorded.
§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for firearms certificates relating to the possession and purchase of licensable air weapons have been (a) granted and (b) refused in each year since 1979 (i) in London and (ii) in total nationally.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThis information is not available. Under the Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969 certificates are only required in respect of certain high powered air weapons. I understand from inquiries made of police firearms officers that they receive very few applications for such certificates.