Explanatory note

These Regulations limit, for a certain period, the effect of one of the exemptions from the prohibition of large-calibre hand guns by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. The exemption in question is that in section 7(3) of the Act which enables holders of firearm certificates for certain handguns of historic interest to possess, purchase, acquire, sell or transfer such guns without the authority of the Secretary of State if their certificates are subject to a condition requiring such guns to be kept and used only at a place designated by the Secretary of State. The Regulations provide that, until a certain date, a place can only be designated for the keeping of such guns. The date in question is 1st July 1998 or the date on which the Secretary of State notifies the management of a designated place that he is satisfied that that place is suitable for the use of such guns, whichever date is the sooner. The Regulations make it clear that the exemption conferred by section 7(3) is not otherwise affected.

Section 7(3) of the 1997 Act is brought into force on 1st July 1997 by the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/1535).