asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the situation under section 14 of the Firearms Act 1968 whereby a visitor to Great Britain, having spent less that 30 days there in the preceding year, may have in his possession, or purchase, a shotgun without holding a shotgun certificate.

Yes. I have no evidence that this provision has led to any substantial evasion of firearms controls.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the Government's present intentions concerning changes in the law on firearms; and when they intend to introduce amending legislation.

I have it in mind to introduce legislation to amend the Firearms Act 1968 so as to tighten the present controls over shotguns and to raise existing age limits for the purchase and possession of all types of firearm. At present I am unable to say when such legislation may be brought forward.