11
3.5
It has been suggested that, as drafted in the Bill, the definition of an "imitation firearm of the prescribed class" (i.e. an imitation firearm which "in its external appearance has a very close resemblance to a firearm") is not sufficiently specific. This definition does call for a subjective judgement. Thus the Bill, if passed, could create difficulties, in that members of the public might in some cases not be able readily to decide whether or not toy guns in the possession of their children belong to the "prescribed class of imitation firearms". The Working Group is examining this difficulty with a view to devising a solution to it.
FUTURE ACTION
3.6 follows
(a)
(b)
The Working Group will take action as
it will monitor statistics relating to crimes involving the use of genuine firearms and "pistol-like objects"; and
it will complete the Bill to ban the possession of imitation firearms of the prescribed class and seek advice from the Executive Council on whether or not the Bill should be introduced into the Legislative Council.
ооо