Written question asked by Donald Thompson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 March 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 March 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: If those owners of prohibited high calibre handguns who wish to retain their weapons as mementoes, having first arranged for de-activation, and having obtained de-activation certificates will be able to obtain compensation based on individual valuation of the weapon in its original state. - No.

Answer: Sir Donald Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if those owners of prohibited high calibre handguns who wish to retain their weapons as mementos, having first arranged for de-activation, and having obtained de-activation certificates will be able to obtain compensation based on individual valuation of the weapon in its original state. [18615] Miss Widdecombe: No. Under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, payments in respect of high calibre handguns may be made only where such items are surrendered to the police.

Secondary information