Clause 26 - Age limits for purchase etc. of air weapons
Violent Crime Reduction Bill
4:15 pm
Hazel Blears (Minister of State (Policing, Security and Community Safety), Home Office; Salford, Labour)
I undertake to provide further information to hon. Members about what is envisaged.
The provision will make retailers accountable to the police, who will be able to withdraw registration if a retailer becomes a danger to public safety—for example, if he starts to sell to under-age persons. Records of transactions will have to be kept. That will remove the anonymity of purchasers, which should help deter casual and irresponsible sales. It will be a requirement for all air weapons to be handed over face to face. It will also allow a check on the proof of age, thereby tackling the risk of under-age purchasers through the internet or mail order.