Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in response to his recent White Paper on "Firearms Control".
§ Mr. Douglas HoggSince the White Paper was published we have received about 900 letters from right hon. and hon. Members and about 1,500 from members of the public, secretaries of rifle and pistol clubs, shooting organisations, and a number of other bodies. They have raised a variety of points on our proposals.
§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the possible effects of his proposals in the Firearms (Amendment) Bill on British participation in international shooting events; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe only international shooting events in which British participation will be affected by the488W Bill are practical shooting events involving the use of full bore self-loading rifles. We have received representations from shooting organisations opposing the change concerned, but my right hon. Friend is not persuaded that the limited sporting use of these weapons justifies their continued possession by private individuals.
§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the basis for his estimate that the manpower effects of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill will be 80, mainly civilian, additional personnel.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is our rough assessment after consulting the police of the additional police resources required to administer the provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, mainly in relation to changes in the shotgun controls. This represents 60 civilian staff for England and Wales, and 20 for Scotland.