HL Deb 18 May 1989 vol 507 cc1403-4WA
Baroness Gardner of Parkes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they plan to implement the remaining provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

My right honourable friend signed a commencement order on 17th May 1989 which will bring into effect the remaining provisions of the Act as follows:

Sections coming into force on 1st July 1989

Section 2 (Re-definition of exempted shot guns)

Section 3 (Grant and renewal of shot gun certificates)

Section 4 (Transfers of shot gun)

Section 5 (Restriction on sale of ammunition for smooth-bore guns)

Section 6 (Shortening of barrels)

Sections 7(2) and 7(3) (Conversion of weapon to which section 1 of the 1968 Act applies not to affect classification)

Section 11 (Grant of co-terminous certificates)

Section 13(1) (Firearms dealers)

Section 15 (Rifle and pistol clubs)

Section 19 (Firearms and ammunition in museums)

Section 20 (Removal of arms and ammunition to Northern Ireland)

Section 23(4), (5), (6) (Minor and consequential amendments)

Section 24(2) (Expenses and receipts)

Sections coming into force on 1st October 1989

Section 17 (Visitors' permits)

Section 18 (Firearms acquired for export)

Section 23(8) (Repeal of section 14 of the 1968 Act).

Transitional arrangements have been made to allow owners of smooth-bore guns raised to Section 1 control a period of seven months—from 1st July 1989 to 31st January 1990—in which to comply with the new controls. During this time they will have a number of options open to them. If they wish to retain the weapon in its existing condition they may apply for a firearm certificate, or a variation to an existing one, subject to the criteria laid down in the Firearms Act 1968 being met. They may continue to hold the gun on a shot gun certificate by adapting it so that it has a non-detachable magazine incapable of holding more than two cartridges in the manner approved under Section 2(3) of the Act. Or they may arrange to have it de-activated. Alternatively, the weapon may be sold to a registered firearms dealer or to the holder of a Section 1 firearm certificate who is authorised to acquire it