§ The Earl of Shrewsburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they intend to trace all the current owners of self-contained air cartridge system air guns in the event of Parliament prohibiting the import, sale, transfer and manufacture of such weapons, whilst allowing the retention under licence by current owners. [HL2556]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)It will be the responsibility of existing owners to apply for a licence if they wish to retain their firearm. Anybody who is subsequently found to be in possession of an unlicensed gun will be liable to prosecution. We are proposing to introduce a minimum sentence of five years for possessing a prohibited firearm.
§ The Earl of Shrewsburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many of the estimated 70,000 current owners of self-contained air cartridge system air guns they envisage will apply for licences following prohibition. [HL2557]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonIt is envisaged that existing owners will be able to either dispose of their gun before any ban takes effect or apply for a licence for it. No estimate has been made as to how many will choose each option.