§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to the Association of Chief Police Officers report on firearms licensing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Association of Chief Police Officers produced a report on firearms administration in 1990. This was considered by a working group set up in 1991, consisting of Home Office officials, Her majesty's inspectorate of constabulary and representatives of several police forces, which was set up to promote efficiency and consistency amongst forces; to identify models of best practice for forces in administering the firearms licensing system; and to identify a reliable basis on which to set fees. The report of that group was circulated to police forces, strongly recommending that, where they had not already done so, they adopt the procedures which is set out.