§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why it is necessary to provide four fresh photographs each time that a firearm certificate under Section 1(1) of the Firearms Act 1968, and a shotgun certificate under Section 2 of that Act is renewed or varied and what plans they have for reducing the administrative and cost burden of the firearm licensing procedures on the public.
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§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)Photographs are required so that an up to date likeness of the certificate holder appears on the certificate. The police attach one photograph to the certificate and keep another for their records. The other two photographs are retained in case they are needed if, for example, the holder loses his certificate or requires a European Firearms Pass. Photographs are not required if a certificate is varied.
The Firearms Consultative Committee, the independent statutory body which advises the Home Secretary on firearms matters, considered this issue in 1993–94. They concluded that the requirement for four photographs for a single application should remain, but that application for grant or renewal of a firearm and a shotgun certificate at the same time should require four photographs rather than eight as at present.
This is one of a number of recommendations for improving and simplifying the forms and procedures for applying for firearm and shotgun certificates which the Committee made in its Fifth Annual Report, a copy of which is in the Library. We hope to implement these soon. The administration of the Firearms Acts is kept under regular review to ensure that the administrative burden on both shooters and the police is kept to the minimum commensurate with ensuring public safety.