TNAG-1447-FCO40-1931-Executive-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-meet-1986 — Page 202

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Chapter III Use of firearms in crime

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INTRODUCTION

3.1

During the period under review, the Working Group on the Use of Firearms in Crime continued -

(a)

(b)

to monitor statistics relating to the use of genuine firearms and "pistol like objects" in crime; and

to work on further drafts of a Bill to ban the possession of the "prescribed class of imitation firearms" (that is to say high quality imitations of genuine firearms).

STATISTICS RELATING TO THE USE OF GENUINE FIREARMS AND "PISTOL-LIKE OBJECTS" IN CRIME

3.2

There has been a decrease in the number of cases involving the use of genuine firearms and "pistol-like objects" (which includes genuine firearms but for which the Police have no evidence that they are firearms) in crime in the first nine months of 1985 as compared to the same period in 1984

(Statistics at Appendix V). No conclusion may be readily drawn from these figures. The Working Group will continue to monitor statistics in this regard and if the trend continues, to identify contributing factors.

BAN ON "IMITATION FIREARMS OF THE PRESCRIBED CLASS"

3.3

As reported in Chapter III of FCC Report No. 4, a wide range of difficulties has arisen in preparing this controversial and unique legislation. The Bill is in its ninth draft. The object has remained unchanged, to ban the possession in Hong Kong of an imitation firearm "which in its external appearance has a very close resemblance to a firearm".

3.4

There is a widely held view that any reasonable steps which would make it more difficult for criminals to lay their hands on imitation firearms should be taken. The Bill being drafted is designed effectively to prohibit the import, sale or possession of reaslistic imitations. Manufacturers will be able to apply for a licence to manufacture such imitations, but for export only. The latest draft of the Bill provides for licensing and other control procedures to deal with manufacturers, exporters and shipping agents. Other provisions have been included to control the use of imitation firearms by those companies, such as film or theatre companies, which might have a legitimate reason for their possession.