Airgun sales to be tightened up
13 Oct 05
Home Office confirms restrictions to be part of UK Violent Crime Reduction Bill
Airgun sales are to be restricted to registered gun dealers, the Home Office has confirmed.
Changes to the current laws relating to airguns will be included in the UK Violent Crime Reduction Bill. Firearms legislation is decided by Westminster, but the Scottish Executive has made representations to the UK Government to make the law on the sale of airguns more restrictive.
First Minister Jack McConnell promised action and asked the Home Office to review the law after the fatal shooting of two-year-old Andrew Morton in Easterhouse, Glasgow, earlier this year.
In an interview with BBC Scotland, Home Office minister Hazel Blears said the government was looking at the practicalities at the moment and that it wanted to make sure people could not buy air weapons on a market stall or through mail order. The Scottish Executive said the planned restrictions would apply to places selling airguns rather than on ownership.
The other main elements of the proposed scheme are a £150 registration fee and proof of fitness to hold an airgun certificate. Suppliers would also be accountable to the police and would require to keep details of everyone buying airguns.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "These changes will help us improve public protection by limiting those who have access to the sale, purchase and use of airguns. Together with the existing measures in the bBill, they will reduce the likelihood of further tragedies occurring and give the UK some of the toughest airgun laws in the world."
Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP's Holyrood leader, said the First Minister had failed to persuade the Home Office to take the strong action he had promised. She added that a strict licensing scheme, covering the sale, purchase and use of airguns was needed.
Margaret Mitchell, the Conservative justice spokeswoman, said it was up to Mr McConnell to explain whether the proposals measured up to the promises he made about the problem a few months ago.