§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary plans to reinspect the police forces covered in the 1993 study into the administration of firearms licensing to ensure that the deficiencies noted in the conclusions of that study have been rectified; and if he will make a statement; [72335]
(2) what action has been taken to implement the conclusions of the 1993 report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary into the administration of firearms licensing; and if he will make a statement. [72336]
§ Mr. BoatengSince 1993, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) have reported on 10 of the 12 firearms licensing departments covered by the 1993 report on the administration of firearms licensing. Forces were generally praised for their adoption of the recommendations of the report and for other measures to improve the functioning of the licensing system. Other forces have also been inspected on this matter as part of the regular inspection process. All inspection reports are published.
Following the tragic events at Dunblane and subsequent legislation, HMIC have concluded that recommendations in the 1993 report have been largely overtaken by events. HMIC do not therefore intend to pursue the recommendations of the report further but will continue to look at all aspects of police administration, including firearms licensing, during their inspections. The Government have made clear that they intend to keep the issue of firearms controls under close scrutiny to see what further measures, if any, might be needed to protect public safety.