HC Deb 11 March 1999 vol 327 cc332-3W
Mr. McCabe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria for determining compensation claims under Option C for people required to hand in firearms and ancillary equipment; and how the criteria were established. [75619]

Mr. Boateng

Claims under all options of the firearms compensation schemes are determined by the eligibility requirements set out in the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997 and in the compensation schemes. To qualify for compensation, a surrendered handgun or small calibre pistol must be a prohibited weapon as defined in the Acts, and ancillary equipment must be of a type specified in the compensation schemes. The categories of ancillary equipment covered by the schemes were drawn up in consultation with a number of shooting representative bodies.