§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many shotgun licences were in issue at the most recent date for which figures are available: if he is satisfied with the arrangements for ensuring that licences are renewed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggA total of 819,333 shotgun certificates were on issue in England and Wales on 31 December 1985. A joint Home Office/Association of Chief Police Officers working party, which reported in 1984, recommended that reminders should be sent to all certificate holders before their certificates expire. I understand that most chief constables have adopted this recommendation, but the responsibility for renewing a certificate ultimately rests with the certificate holder.