To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions there are on private individuals in possession of a valid firearms licence bringing guns bought abroad into the United Kingdom. [36128]

Prior authorisation for the purchase of the firearm in question, noted on the firearm certificate by the local chief officer of police, is required. Where the firearm is purchased in another EC state, a transfer licence is required. If the firearm is imported from outside the EC, it is necessary to satisfy the import licensing controls administered by the Department of Trade and Industry.