HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 c703W
Mr. Key

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has any plans to regulate the arrangements for the proofing of guns; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

Gun barrel proofing is already closely regulated by legislation dating back to the Gun Barrel Proof Act 1868, and I do not consider further regulation necessary. On the contrary, I am currently consulting on a modest measure of deregulation, to enable the proof houses to set their own charges independently of Government.