§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in England and Wales had been granted a firearms certificate as of 1 December; and for what uses such certificates have been granted.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe number of firearms certificates which were on issue in England and Wales as at 31 December 1992 was 136,810. Corresponding information for 1 December 1993 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The law requires that, before issuing a firearm certificate, the chief officer of police must satisfy himself 410W that the applicant has a good reason for requiring the firearm or ammunition in respect of which the certificate is sought. No central record is kept of the reasons for which certificates are granted.