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Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh, North and Leith) (Lab/Co-op):
Has my right hon. Friend had a chance to look
at early-day motion 234, in my name? It states: That this House welcomes
the announcement in the Queen's Speech of proposed measures to tackle offences
involving knives and guns; and urges the Government to ensure such measures
include a ban on replica guns and a ban on the sale and possession of air
weapons, except under licence for genuine sporting and other necessary uses
such as pest control.
The EDM deals with controls on replica weapons
and airguns, and is supported by 63 hon. Members. A similar EDM has gained
the support of 53 hon. Members. Will my right hon. Friend point out that
level of support to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and suggest
that the already good proposals in respect of airguns in the Violent Crime
Reduction Bill, which we will discuss on Monday, should be strengthened
by means of amendments proposing the even tougher clampdowns suggested
in the two EDMs?
Geoff. Hoon (Leader of the House of Commons):
My
hon. Friend raises an important point. The Government recognise that this
is a vitally important issue, as the proposals in the Violent Crime Reduction
Bill to which he has referred demonstrate. I am sure that he and other
hon. Members will be able to table amendments in due course if they judge
that the Government are not taking sufficient powers. I assure him that
my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary takes this matter very seriously
indeed, which is why it has been included in that Bill. |
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