Eric Roy

National Conservation Spokesman

4 August 2000

Decision on arms bill will be welcomed

National's decision to pull the plug on the Arms Amendment Bill will be welcomed by both outdoor recreational groups and the gun lobby, National's Conservation Spokesman Eric Roy said today.

"The Bill has been in front of a select committee, and submissions to that committee made it clear it falls short in a number of areas.

"Both sides of the gun debate have major reservations about the Bill, and it became clear to our representatives on the committee that it would take more than a few amendments to make it a practical piece of legislation.

"National has decided not to support the Bill, and it appears Labour is heading the same way.

"That doesn't mean the issues will be ignored. There are numerous concerns about safety, security and fairness which won't go away.

"I'll be working constructively with recreational groups to ensure their concerns are addressed in any legislation which may be in the pipeline. There's a balance which must be struck, and unfortunately the current Bill doesn't strike that balance," Mr Roy said.

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