HC Deb 31 October 1986 vol 103 c278W
Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to disbar from public office councillors convicted of firearms offences; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

No new legislation is needed. Under section 80 of the Local Government Act 1972, a person is disqualified from being a councillor if within the previous five years he has been convicted of any offence and has had passed on him a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine. There is a wide range of firearm offences and maximum sentences range from three months to life imprisonment. The disqualification of any individual councillor convicted of a firearms offence depends upon the sentence actually passed.