Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 65
65
Rejected
There are differences in requirements which applicants must meet, in order to obtain firearms licences...
Conclusion
There are differences in requirements which applicants must meet, in order to obtain firearms licences and shotgun licences. Although legislation related to air weapons is devolved167, Superintendent Duncan told us that “the air weapons test is effectively the same test that would be applied to a firearm”168 - further highlighting the difference between these requirements and the requirements for shotgun licences. We have heard calls from witnesses for shotgun legislation to be brought into line with firearms and air weapon legislation.
Government Response Summary
The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation, stating that shotguns are already subject to significant controls and that additional controls are unnecessary and would have a negative impact on their legitimate use; but the government will keep this under review.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Committee recommended changes to legislation to align the requirements for shotguns and firearms. Public safety is our priority, but the measures to manage the risk to public safety must be proportionate and balanced with the fact that the vast majority of licensed firearms holders are law abiding and cause no concern. It is for this reason that the Government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation. Shotguns are already subject to significant controls on their use and they are important in helping farmers control vermin on their land and in rural pursuits. We will keep this under review, but we are concerned that additional controls on shotguns are unnecessary and would have a negative impact on their legitimate use.