The Deregulation (Gun Barrel Proving) Order 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Gun Barrel Proof Acts 1868 to 1978.

Firstly, it amends section 118 of the Gun Barrel Proof Act 1868 (“the 1868 Act” by removing the requirement that the sums charged by the London and Birmingham Proof Houses for the proving of civilian small arms should not exceed the sums laid down in one of the Schedules to the 1868 Act, as amended most recently by the Gun Barrel Proof (Alteration of Maximum Prices) Order 1994 (“the 1994 Order”. In consequence the Proof Houses are free to appoint such sums as they wish and until the time of any appointment by them the maximum sums which may be taken are those laid down in the 1994 Order.

A number of provisions which are spent in consequence of the amendment are also repealed. This includes section 3 of the Gun Barrel Proof Act 1950 (“the 1950 Act”, section 4 of that Act which lays down the procedure for seeking Ministerial approval and an order for the increase of maximum prices for proof and the Schedule to that Act which provided what were for a period the maximum prices. Further, paragraph (20) of Schedule 3 of the Gun Barrel Proof Act 1978 is repealed as its sole function is the amendment of section 4 of the 1950 Act.