Part of Firearms (Amendment) Bill – in the House of Commons at 6:45 pm on 18 February 1997.
The helpful document on compensation from the Minister of State says:
The Government has also agreed to make payments … This agreement does not extend
to small-calibre pistols held in stock by dealers nor does it extend
to ancillary equipment relating to them as there will continue to be a demand for such equipment.
My right hon. and learned Friend took as examples transport and catering. In those industries, legislation is usually evolutionary, and a catering firm introduces new bits of kit and equipment to keep up with the times and with modern knowledge. However, the proposals before us are draconian. A man in my constituency makes nothing but ammunition for handguns. He employs five people. We shall put him out of business.