asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firearms had been surrendered at the conclusion of the three-month amnesty; how he has disposed of these; and what profit has accrued to his Department.

The returns of firearms and ammunition handed in to police forces in England and Wales during the amnesty are not yet completed, but I will write to the hon. Member when I have the information.Chief officers of police have been advised that surrendered firearms other than Service weapons (which should be returned to the Armed Forces) and antiques or collectors' pieces (which should be given to reputable collections or sold to reputable dealers) should be destroyed. Accordingly no question arises, in general, of any payments to my Department.