§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has made to other EC Governments concerning the smuggling of weapons into Britain; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleNo specific representations have been made. A directive on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 18 June 1991. All member states of the European Union are bound by the directive which came into effect on 1 January 1993.
Under the directive, movements of firearms are subject to a new licensing system. As before, anyone bringing a firearm into this country must have prior permission. In 574W addition to this, though, each transfer of a firearm into this country will be notified to my Department via a new information system. The information will be passed to police and customs officers who will investigate any irregularities.