HC Deb 21 July 1994 vol 247 c487W
Mr. Shersby

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many illegally held semiautomatic firearms have been confiscated by the police service in England and Wales during the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.

Mr. Maclean

This information is not available centrally.

Mr. Shersby

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has concerning the provenance of firearms unlawfully imported into the country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

We have no hard information. The break-up of the former Soviet Union and the demise of the Warsaw pact has led to a greater availability of firearms on the world market. Her Majesty's customs are aware of this increased risk and are taking steps to counter it.