HL Deb 01 July 1998 vol 591 c79WA
Lord Burton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures have been taken by constabularies to record the serial numbers of all firearms handed in as a result of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; where such lists are retained; and in what format. [HL2451]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The way in which the details of firearms surrendered to the police under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 were recorded is a matter for individual chief officers. Serial numbers for such firearms should have been given on the compensation claim forms submitted to the police at the time of surrender, and should have been checked by the police against the serial numbers appearing on the firearms themselves and in the relevant firearms certificates or dealers' registers of transaction.