HL Deb 18 July 2000 vol 615 cc85-6WA
The Earl of Shrewsbury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

By what authority the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire authorised civilian personnel from the Environment Agency to fire weapons prohibited under Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 at Police Headquarters some time prior to 14 June. [HL3184]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

I understand from the Lincolnshire Police that there used to be an approved rifle and pistol club located at force headquarters. Certain visitors who were given tours of the headquarters facilities were also shown the firing range and allowed to fire weapons used by the force as guests of the club.

The implications of recent changes to firearms legislation and the closure of the club were not recognised by the force in relation to visitors to the force headquarters. As soon as the implications of the changes were realised, the firing of weapons under these circumstances was stopped immediately.

The Chief Constable accepts that errors have been made but wishes to stress that visitors' backgrounds were checked in advance and they were under the strictest supervision at all times.

I understand that a report has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.