Firearms (Amendment) Bill — 18 Jun 1997

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

My party's manifesto made a clear commitment to a free vote on a total ban on handguns. We have delivered on that commitment, and a free vote on Second Reading produced a resounding majority of 203 in favour of an extension to the ban. That is a crystal clear message from the House. We want the ban on small-calibre pistols to be introduced well before the end of the year and I hope that that will prove possible.

No point of principle or of detail on this short Bill has not been given a full airing on Second Reading and in subsequent debates on amendments and new clauses. We have made the case, we have won the argument and there can be no doubt of our intensions. We have dealt with the unfinished business that remained after the previous Government failed to allow a free vote on a complete ban on handguns. The Bill should now go to the other place for a swift passage into law. I believe that that is not only the will of the vast majority of hon. Members, but it has

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the public's support as shown in the general election and through expressions of public opinion before and since. I commend the Bill to the House.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business),

That, at this day's sitting, the Firearms (Amendment) Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.-- [Jane Kennedy.]

Question agreed to.

Question again proposed, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

Question put , That the Bill be now read the Third time:--

The House divided: Ayes 350, Noes 164.

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