HC Deb 14 December 2000 vol 359 c268W
Mr. Woodward

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people carrying replica guns were(a) injured and (b) killed by the police in (i) 1990, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 and (iv) 1999. [142619]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The requested information is as follows:

1990 Information not available.

1997 One many carrying a replica handgun and an antique pistol was injured by the police.

1998 One man carrying a replica pistol was killed by the police and one man carrying a replica 9mm handgun was injured by the police.

1999 Two men carrying replica firearms were injured by the police. In addition, two men carrying air weapons were fatally injured by the police.

Mr. Woodward

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on amending the Firearms Act 1968 to include a ban on replica guns. [142618]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Home Affairs Select Committee and the Firearms Consultative Committee have recommended that there should be restrictions on the availability of replica firearms and their possession in a public place. We have also received representations from the Association of Chief Police Officers about the use of replica firearms in robbery and other crimes, and from the Gun Control Network. We intend to consider all these recommendations and representations carefully in consultation with the police service and other interested parties.