HC Deb 15 July 1992 vol 211 cc781-2W
Sir John Wheeler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to implement the European Community directive on the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I have today laid before Parliament draft regulations under the European Communities Act 1972. These regulations will, if approved, transpose the directive into law in Great Britain. Domestic controls on firearms will remain substantially unchanged. However the private possession of firearms disguised as other objects will be lawful only for museums, collectors and others duly authorised. We intend to make arrangements for ex-gratia payments to people who as a result of these regulations surrender such firearms before 1 January 1993 which were lawfully held by them on or before 16 July 1992. Further details of these arangements will be announced in the autumn.

Sir John Wheeler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will lay before Parliament the third annual report of the Firearms Consultative Committee.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I have placed a copy of the annual report of the Firearms Consultative Committee in the Library of both Houses today.