The package of measures, which includes better controls on shotguns, firm action against misuse of air guns and work to tackle the use of illegal guns in crime, was announced today in the Government's response to the Home Affairs Committee report on controls over firearms. Our firearms controls are already among the strongest in the world, and these new proposals will increase their effectiveness. While we do not feel that it is necessary to impose a licensing scheme on airweapons, measures such as the establishment of a clear standard for measuring the power of air guns and a review of legislation to take into account recent developments in airgun technology will be hugely beneficial.
Firearms control is an emotive subject, which raises strong feelings on either side.
I recognise that many people enjoy shooting sports, and with this package of new measures, we have tried to achieve a balanced and proportionate set of controls, which will respect the rights of gun enthusiasts as well as protecting public safety. The response sets out how the Government intends to proceed. The Home Affairs Committee published its report on controls over firearms on 13 April 2000. While considering its response, the Government has listened to representations from a range of bodies including the Association of Chief Police Officers, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the Gun Control Network and the Countryside Alliance. The Government's response is published as a Command Paper.