(Lab):...One
recurrent concern that I have developed in recent years is that
our legislation is reactive far too often. We scrabble to catch
up with societal shifts outside this place and pass laws that are
no sooner promulgated than they are eclipsed by rapid
developments in technology or the attempts of those who are
incentivised to find legal loopholes. It is in that state of mind
that I listened carefully to the noble Earl’s contribution; I am
glad that he raised the issue of 3D-printed weapons. Last year,
there was a substantial amount of reporting on the growing threat
of such weapons on our streets. I distinctly remember the
National Crime
Agency publicly stating—I think I quote it
accurately—that the current generation of 3D-printed weapons are
“credible and viable” compared with earlier versions and that,
although they are often single-shot weapons, they are lethal. It
seems possible that this issue will need to be returned to at
some point in the future because, although I am pleased to hear
that the relevant parts of our regulatory authorities are
watching this carefully, we will soon need to do more than just
watch it...
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office () (Con):...My noble
friend, as well as the noble Lords, Lord Browne and , also raised the question of
how we continue to keep people safe with the emergence of
firearms produced using 3D printers. 3D-printed firearms fall
within the scope of the Firearms Act 1968 and are subject to the
same controls and licensing requirements as any other firearm.
There have been successful prosecutions; in fact, I literally
just googled this, and there was one on 23 June in West Yorkshire
for possession of a 3D-printed firearm. So the law is working—but
the Government are committed to tackling the threat posed by
3D-printed guns, and we are working closely with law enforcement,
including the National Crime
Agency as part of the multi-agency response to the
emergence of 3D-printed firearms...
For context, OPEN HERE
