Written question asked by Bob Laxton (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 July 1999. It was answered by Lord Stratford (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 July 1999 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if the ban on handguns will prevent shooting events being staged during any international games held in the United Kingdom. - Inc ref to Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.

Answer: Mr. Laxton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the ban on handguns will prevent shooting events being staged during any international games held in the United Kingdom. [92760] Mr. Banks: Prohibited weapons may not be possessed without the express authority of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. During the passage of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 through Parliament, it was agreed that provision could be made for competitors in pistol events in major competitions such as the Olympics or Commonwealth Games to be granted temporary authority to allow them to bring their pistols into the country for the duration of the event. Indeed, the European Police Pistol Championships were held in this country shortly after the prohibition on handguns took effect, and I understand the arrangements worked smoothly and no problems were experienced by any of the competitors.

Secondary information