§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward legislation on the(a) sale, (b) promotion and (c) dissemination of (i) equipment and (ii) instructions for the re-conversion of guns that have previously been de-activated. [153098]
§ Caroline FlintComponent parts which can be used to re-activate firearms are already controlled in the same way as an actual firearm. Reamers, drills and other1038W engineering tools are used for a variety of purposes and their sale is not restricted. It is already an offence, with a maximum sentence of seven years, to convert a de-activated firearm or to conspire to do so. Where the weapon converted is a prohibited firearm, anybody convicted of possessing such a weapon is liable to the new minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 10 years.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend legislation relating to the(a) sale and (b) ownership of deactivated guns. [153100]
§ Caroline FlintWe have no plans at present to legislate in relation to the sale and ownership of de-activated weapons but we will be looking at this issue as part of the comprehensive review of current firearms legislation. We will be publishing a consultation paper shortly.