Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many licensing applications for 3D printed firearms have been received in England and Wales in each of the past ten years.

The Home Office is committed to tackling the threat posed by 3D printed firearms and they are subject to the same legislative controls as any other firearms. We are working closely with the National Crime Agency (NCA) to tackle the emergence of unlicensed 3D firearms in the UK, including Project Interknow in which the NCA is leading the multi-agency response to this issue. The Home Office continues to work closely with law enforcement, including the NCA and other operational partners to manage the national security threat and protect public safety.

The possession, purchase or acquisition of ammunition is strictly controlled under the Firearms Act 1968. A person wanting to possess ammunition, and any associated firearms that it will be used with, must hold a valid firearms certificate issued by the police. This includes for 3D printed firearms.