§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) handguns and (b) accessories, broken down by (i) type and (ii) calibre, have been surrendered to each police force in Great Britain by (A) private citizens, (B) shooting clubs and (C) firearms dealers under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; [78153]
(2) how much compensation (a) has been paid and (b) is outstanding in respect of firearms surrendered under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; and when he expects the process to be completed. [78154]
§ Mr. BoatengOver 162,000 large and small-calibre handguns were surrendered to the police following the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. I regret that the more detailed information requested is not at present available. A total of £80.3 million has so far been paid in compensation. The total of compensation paid is expected to be in the region of £87 million.