§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a breakdown of the estimated costs of compensation arising from the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [18736]
§ Miss WiddecombeThe estimated breakdown of expenditure arising from the compensation and ex gratia payment schemes provided by the legislation is as follows:
- Large calibre handguns: up to £50 million;
- Ancillary equipment for large calibre handguns: about up to £80 million;
- Small calibre handguns: up to £12 million; and
- Expanding ammunition: de minimis.
In addition, it is estimated that up to £5 million will be required in relation to administrative costs, for example storing guns and handling compensation claims.