§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent advice he has received from the Firearms Consultative Committee concerning replica firearms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Firearms Consultative Committee advised the then Home Secretary that neither a ban nor licensing controls on replica firearms would be either feasible or effective. The committee recommended extending the range of offences which apply to the misuse of replicas. This recommendation is under consideration with the prosecuting authorities and the police service. The committee also recommended that warning labels about the heavy penalties which apply to misuse should be incorporated on the packaging of imitation firearms. Consultations have been held with the trade whose views are being carefully considered.