Dunblane gun surrender begins

Police will this week begin the task of collecting an estimated 160,000 larger calibre pistols that were outlawed in the wake of the Dunblane massacre as a result of the Firearms (Amendment) Act passed under the previous government.

The official surrender of the larger weapons begins tomorrow, with shooters having until the end of September to comply. Owners can accept a flat rate of pounds 150 for each gun or get an independent valuation of up to pounds 775 for more expensive weapons.The Bill to ban a further 40,000 smaller .22 calibre handguns begins its passage through the House of Lords today after gaining its Commons Second Reading earlier this month. Claire White