§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a table showing the recommendations made by the firearms consultative committee in each year since it was set up; which of them have been the subject of a circular issued by him indicating that the recommendations should be implemented; what information he has as to whether those recommendations have been implemented; and by which police forces they have been implemented.
§ Mr. Charles WardleA summary of the committee's recommendations is contained in each of its four annual reports, copies of which are in the Library of the House.
Revised guidance on the definition of antique weapons and collecting of firearms was issued to chief officers of police following a recommendation made by the committee in its third annual report. In addition, Home Office circulars have been issued which include advice on implementing recommendations made by the committee on revised criteria for approved rifle and pistol clubs and the EC weapons directive.
Details of the other recommendations of the committee which have been implemented were given in my reply to the hon. Member on 15 December 1993—column 657.
The administration of the firearms licensing system is the responsibility of individual chief officers of police. Detailed records of individual force practice are not kept centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.