§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to contract out police functions relating to the issuing of firearms licences and the escorting of heavy loads.
§ Mr. Charles WardleMy right hon. and learned Friend is considering the responses to the recently concluded public consultation on Home Office proposals to establish a new civilian firearms licensing body. No decisions have yet been taken.
As to police escorts for heavy loads, my Department is considering the issues with the police service and local authority associations. No firm decisions have yet been taken.