§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department has taken to follow up allegations made in January in relation to the illegal and unauthorised production, export and arrangement of sale of electro-shock weapons and equipment; what legal action has been and is being undertaken in consequence of such investigations; and if he will make a statement. [31030]
§ Mr. MacleanElectric shock weapons are covered by section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968, as amended, which prohibits the unauthorised possession, manufacture, purchase, acquisition, transfer and sale of any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing.
Following the allegations made in January, my Department has reviewed the terms of all authorities which are currently on issue to companies in England and Wales under section 5(1)(b) of the 1968 Act. There is no company which has authority to possess electric shock weapons.
Police investigations and the prosecution of alleged offences are matters for chief officers of police and for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General. The control of exports is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.