HL Deb 12 November 1997 vol 583 cc31-2WA
The Earl of Denbigh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How long after the proposed ban on 22 pistols the hand-in period will last; and how soon people will receive compensation for loss of equipment and weapons.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

No decision about the implementation of the Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill will be taken until the draft compensation scheme has been laid before both Houses and approved. As more than 26,000 small-calibre pistols have already been handed in voluntarily it is unlikely that the hand-in period will need to be as long as three months, the time allowed for surrender of large-calibre handguns prohibited by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.