HL Deb 17 March 1998 vol 587 c191WA
The Earl of Haddington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are able to take, or can be taken, against Chief Officers of Police who refuse to process the grant, renewal or variation or formal refusal of applications for firearms certificates in reasonable time or at all; how many cases are awaiting decision for each force in England, Wales and Scotland; and whether they will give the reason for such delays in each case for Hampshire Constabulary. [HL980]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The processing of applications for firearms certificates is a matter for the chief officer of police for the area in which the applicant resides.

The Home Secretary has no powers to intervene in individual cases or to issue directions. It is open to a person who is dissatisfied with the performance of a force in relation to a particular aspect of its duties to pursue the matter with the police authority concerned or to write to Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for that particular region. Details of outstanding applications are not kept centrally.