FOLLOWING the terrible shootings at Dunblane, a number of politicians, particularly Jack Straw and David Mellor, are attempting to gain popularity by pressing for a total ban on ownership of various types of firearms. They say that there is no good reason for owning them and that no reasonable person should want to own guns anyway.

A more reasoned response, surely, is to wait for the results of the official and public inquiry.

It is suggested that the 'gun lobby' will use misleading propaganda to prevent a total ban.

But, surely, it is fair and reasonable that both sides of the debate put their respective points of view and a balanced decision arrived at.

It is regrettable that these MPs have never seriously investigated the legal ownership of guns.

Nor the types of firearms available, the present restrictions regarding ownership, or why responsible people collect firearms or participate in the various target shooting sports. It appears that they consider all gun owners to be at least anti-social and, generally, a threat to society.

While I appreciate the grief and sorrow caused by the incident in Dunblane, I am disappointed that Mr Straw has latched on to this event and has quickly suggested extreme legislation solely to score points over the Conservative government.

David Mellor, as a director of a major arms manufacturing and export company, is a hypocrite and therefore does not merit further comment.

LOCAL GUN COLLECTOR (name and address received)

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.