§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving the use of firearms occurred in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [5781]
§ Mr. DenhamThe numbers of recorded crimes involving firearms committed in England and Wales since 1996 are given in the table.
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Number of recorded crimes involving the use of firearms Year Firearms other than air weapons Air weapons Total offences 1996 6,063 7,813 13,876 1997 4,904 7,506 12,410 1997–981 4,903 7,902 12,805 1998–991 5,209 8,665 13,874 1999–20001 6,843 10,103 16,946 1Year ending March There was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, and hence figures before and after this date are not directly comparable. Details for the financial year 2000–01 are not yet available.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences involving firearms were committed in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years. [7612]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 15 October 2001]: The number of recorded crimes involving firearms committed in England and Wales in the last five years are as follows:
Year Firearms other than air weapons Air weapons Total offences 1995 5,866 7,568 13,434 1996 6,063 7,813 13,876 1997 4,904 7,506 12,410 1997–981 4,903 7,902 12,805 1998–991 5,209 8,665 13,874 1999–20001 6,843 10,103 16,946 1Year ending March There was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, and hence figures before and after this date are not directly comparable. Figures for 2000–01 are not yet available.
Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland.