§ 30. Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to assess whether the provisions of the Firearms Bill will prevent British participation in all the shooting disciplines in international events, such as the Olympics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have met representatives of shooting organisations with an interest in rifle shooting to assess the effects that the Government's proposals to prohibit high-powered, self-loading rifles will have on British participation in international shooting competitions. I understand that full bore self-loading rifles are not used in any of the Olympic disciplines, or in international competitions organised by the Union International de Tir. Although some international "practical" rifle competition take place, the number of British shooters is limited. The Bill does not otherwise affect British participation in international events.