§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent reports is he has received from HM Inspector of Constabulary into delays in processing standard renewal applications for firearms certificates; and if he will make a statement. [143109]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeUnder the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 all forces are required to carry out a five year rolling programme of Best Value reviews of all areas of business. In the current year five forces have indicated that they will be reviewing their firearms licensing departments in this way. The outcome will be examined by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in accordance with their inspection protocols which were circulated to all police forces in March 2000 and which make specific reference to firearms licensing. The results will be made available through the appropriate police authority in due course.
66WMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has recently announced an increase in the fees which the police can charge for issuing or renewing firearms or shot gun certificates. This will enable forces to allocate additional resources to this task where this is needed to reduce delays.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many current firearms certificates have been issued by Cheshire Police. [143108]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThere are currently 2,391 firearms certificates and 12,699 shot gun certificates on issue in Cheshire.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firearms certificates fall due for renewal each week in the Cheshire Police area. [143105]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeI understand that on average over the current calendar year a total of eight firearms certificates and 62 shot gun certificates fall due for renewal each week.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for the renewal of standard firearms certificates have(a) been received and (b) been processed by Cheshire Police in each of the past six months. [143106]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThis information is given in the tables.
Firearms/shot guns renewal applications received between 1 June 2000 to 30 November 2000 Firearms Shot gun June 69 276 July 57 260 August 36 275 September 36 315 October 40 330 November 40 317
Firearms/shot guns renewed between 1 June 2000 to 30 November 2000 Firearms Shot gun June 50 277 July 51 219 August 17 228 September 2 203 October 5 123 November 9 42