To ask Her Majesty’s Government what restrictions are in force on the sale of arms in the United Kingdom; and what financial and logistical support they provide to arms fairs that take place in the United Kingdom.

The sale of section 1 or 2 weapons (firearms and shotguns) can only be made by a Registered Firearms Dealer and is restricted to holders of a firearm certificate. The sale of anything under section 5 (prohibited weapons and ammunition) requires the specific authority of the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

The Home Office does not provide financial support to arms fairs but does give some logistical assistance to the organisers of arms fairs by: (i) providing advice in conjunction with the police on the security measures required at the event; and (ii) processing the delegates’ applications for the Secretary of State’s authorisation under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended). UKTI Defence and Security Organisation (DSO) also provides support to the major defence exhibition held in the UK on a biennial basis, Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI). At DSEI costs associated with hosting official overseas delegations invited to attend by the Government were met by the commercial organisers.

UKTI DSO part-funded a UK Capability Showcase which is expected to cost around £86,000, which will be offset mostly by income from industry in support of the showcase, and for other support. No direct costs, other than staff time and related staff travel expenses, are incurred on hosting official delegations. For the other UK exhibitions that UKTO DSO supports, Farnborough International Air Show and Security and Policing, DSO’s assistance is generally limited to staff time and travel expenses incurred on hosting official delegations.