Clause 42 - Possession of air weapon or imitation firearm in public place
Anti-social Behaviour Bill
10:30 am
Mr James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
I was just about to mention that. The Minister said that the juxtaposition of the firearm with ammunition in subsection (1)(c) was important. That was a new one on me. He explained the point for me, and I am grateful to him. On that basis, I understand why he opposes the amendments. I certainly share his view that there is no need to change the law on shotguns.
As the hon. Member for Gedling said, the amendment was purely exploratory. It enabled us to have the debate that we have had, and to try to understand the thinking behind the clause. It was never my intention to press the amendment, as I declared at the beginning. I hope that the Minister is right that he is giving the police an extra weapon to use in the fight against the misuse of airguns. Time will tell. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
The Chairman, being of the opinion that the principle of the clause and any matters arising thereon had been adequately discussed in the course of debate on the amendments proposed thereto, forthwith put the Question, pursuant to Standing Orders Nos. 68 and 89, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
Question agreed to.
Clause 42 ordered to stand part of the Bill.