§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if sufficient collection centres will be made available in each police constabulary area to ensure that firearm certificate holders do not have to travel unreasonable distances to hand in weapons prohibited by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; [5828]
(2) what guidance he has given to chief constables on reasonable distances between collection centres which are used for weapons to be handed in as a result of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; [5827]
(3) if he will list the police constabularies which intend to make available only one collection centre in their area for weapons which are to be handed in as a result of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [5830]
§ Mr. MichaelDecisions about the collection arrangements for weapons and equipment surrendered under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 are for the chief officer of police for each force area and we are grateful for their co-operation in this important task. The arrangements in place will differ from one area to another, taking into account such factors as the need to ensure public safety, numbers and locations of firearm certificate holders and registered firearms dealers and police resources. These are matters for local decision and we have not sought to establish a central record of the arrangements in each area.