HC Deb 16 December 1998 vol 322 c605W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances a shotgun licence can be revoked; what guidelines have been issued to the police concerning the revocation of shotgun licences; and if he will make a statement. [63983]

Mr. Boateng

Under section 30(c) of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended), a shotgun certificate may be revoked by the chief officer of police for the area in which the holder resides if he is satisfied that the holder is prohibited by this Act from possessing a shotgun or cannot be permitted to possess a shotgun without danger to public safety or to the peace. The Home Office issued general guidance on this subject in the publication 'Firearms Law: Guidance to the Police' in 1989. A person aggrieved by a decision to revoke a certificate may appeal to the Crown Court against the police decision.

The Government will keep all controls on firearms under close scrutiny.