HOME OFFICE AND AIR GUNS

Early day motion 863, tabled 18 March 2004 by Martyn Jones (Labour). Signed by 18 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's positive approach to shooting sports, and its recognition of shooting's contribution to the management of the landscape, to the rural economy and to the nation's sporting achievements; in the light of this, regrets the Home office's failure adequately to promote awareness of the need of owners of self-contained gas cartridge airguns to license these before 30th April under the terms of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003; further notes with deep concern that, as a result, those who are unaware of the change in the law face a minimum of five years in prison and that these airguns could come into the possession of those who could abuse them; and calls on Home office Ministers to consult representatives of the sport on this and other related issues at the earliest opportunity to ensure a more responsible and coordinated response in the future.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 9, Labour 6, Conservative 1, DUP 1, UUP 1.