§ Sir Hector MonroTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he now expects to announce the compensation scheme for firearms that may be made illegal under the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, presently before the House.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggShortly.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of firearms clubs currently approved by his Department; how many are(a) rifle clubs and (b) pistol clubs; and how many that have been given approval come under the control of (i) the National Rifle Association, (ii) the National Small Bore Rifle Association and (iii) the National Pistol Association.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggAbout 8,000 clubs are approved under section 11 of the Firearms Act 1968. The detailed information requested is not readily available.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Thames Valley police as to how many firearm certificates(a) he granted, (b) he varied and (c) he renewed to persons who had not completed a minimum of 6 months' probationary period with a firearms club for the purpose of shooting rifle or pistol/revolver at targets only on Ministry of Defence approved ranges.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand from the chief constable of Thames Valley that information in the form requested is not available. With regard to probationary membership generally, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question on 31 March, at column446.