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Should 10-year-olds be allowed guns?
Shotgun licences have been handed to 10-year-old children by West Yorkshire Police.
The force's Wakefield-based gun licensing department has granted 84 shotgun certificates to people aged under 18 since April 2008.
Two licences were handed to 10-year-olds and three went to 11-year-olds, figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal.
The certificates allow youngsters to legally shoot cartridges at targets, game and vermin.
In the same period, the force issued 15 firearms certificates – which give permission to own more powerful bullet-firing guns and ammunition – to under 18s.
A 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds were also given the licences.
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, said: "I would be concerned about any child or young person having a firearms licence.
"Guns are weapons, not toys, and we have to do everything we can as a society to ensure that children and young people are protected from the accidental injury and death that they cause."
A force spokesperson said: "The possession of firearms, shotguns and ammunition by young people is covered under the Firearms Act. Young people are subject to strict supervision while using a firearm and appropriate provisions must be in place before a young person is granted a certificate.
"These provisions which are designed to manage and reduce risk are very important criteria for issue.
"Each application considers the personal circumstances of the applicant and typically may include living in a rural community as well as sporting or club membership. Each application is given consideration at Licensing Manager level and at Chief Inspector level."
John Emmerson, of Wakefield Rifle and Pistol Club, said: "If these figures were published in Europe they wouldn't raise an eyebrow. If you go to other countries and look at the way they deal with firearms and young people it is vastly different.
"When we go to championships abroad the majority of shooters are in their late teens or early 20s. The sport is dying in this country because we have no young people coming through.
"We have an attitude generated by tragic events. But the police did not apply the firearms legislation properly. These men shouldn't have been allowed to have a firearms certificate.
"People think every single firearm is made to kill. That is wrong. They are designed to shoot a hole in a paper target."
Mr Emmerson said anyone joining the College Grove-based rifle and pistol club has to adhere to stringent guidelines and must pass a probationary period.
Chrissie Hall, of pressure group the Gun Control Network, said: "The issues which worry me regarding youngsters and guns is the risk of suicide or accidental injury which I would assume could be very high when young children are involved.
"The more guns there are in society, the more gun incidents there are.
"In the UK in the last three decades we have had three gun massacres.
"All three were committed by people who were licensed gun owners. It is clear the licensing system is flawed."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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