§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the Firearms Consultative Committee has met over the last 12 months. [163768]
§ Caroline Flint[holding answer 26 March 2003]The Committee met five times. In addition there were three sub-group meetings.
§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reasons are for the disbandment of the Firearms Consultative Committee. [163769]
§ Caroline Flint[holding answer 26 March 2003]: As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, indicated in his written statement on 30 January, the Government are anxious to maintain a forum for consultation but wishes to do so on a broader basis than allowed by section 22 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 under which the Firearms Consultative Committee was established. We are now considering a new two-tier consultative structure to look at detailed technical matters and the operation of firearms controls in the round.