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Business of the House

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?