§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what controls exist on the sale of air guns and air rifles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe acquisition, possession and use of air weapons are regulated by the Firearms Act 1968 which prohibits their sale of hire to anyone under the age of 17. Young people under 14 may not buy, hire, be given, or own an air weapon and may use one only if they are supervised by someone over 21. Those air weapons which are classified as "specially dangerous" under the Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969 are subject to firearm certificate control.
In its second annual report the Firearms Consultative Committee, the independent statutory body established to advise Government on the firearms legislation, concluded that the law as it stands is adequate to deal with current levels of misuse. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to introduce further controls.