BRITISH FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING

HELD AT THE GP3 VENUE (CSFTA - WENDOVER)

10.30 am SUNDAY 21st MAY 2000

Present

George Grim Chairman

Julie Chambers Secretary

Kate Longbottom Treasurer / Grading Sec.

Barry Longbottom Comp. Sec. / CSFTA

Keith Ryan Minutes Sec. / SWEFTA

Dave Mills MFTA

Andy Aldridge CFTA

Andy Calpin NEFTA

Tim Finlay NEFTA

Richard Kempo WAFTA

Ben Banting CSFTA

Jacqui Lewis WAFTA

Dorien Falconer WAFTA

R. Banks WfFTA

David Harrison MFTA

The Chairman explained that he had called this meeting so that BFTA could consider its reaction to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee Report entitled "Controls over firearms" published 13th April.

The thrust of the Report was the misuse of air weapons and recommendations for their control.

The Chairman pointed out that BASC and NSRA had adopted somewhat different stances. He pointed out that originally it had been the BFTA view that the NSRA should represent us in this matter but pointed out that some BFTA clubs had strong BASC affiliations. It was therefore his wish to ascertain what action the BFTA committee wished to take.

BASC's reaction was to start campaigning immediately by writing letters, e-mails and postcards to MPs, visit MP surgeries, witing to the Home Secretary. A copy of their booklet - "Guide to lobbying" was produced by the Competition Secretary. The meeting then discussed mass demonstrations etc. but felt that this was perhaps counter-productive and could alienate more of the general population against guns.

NSRA seemed to welcome much of the Report although their further actions were less obvious. The Competition Secretary pointed out that BFTA is in fact a member of NSRA. The meeting was asked for their opinions as to which route BFTA should follow, the BFTA committee having a responsibility to advise the membership on a course of action considered best to protect the interests of their sport.

There was discussion on whether we should give guidance via our website, and whether BFTA should write to both BASC and NSRA. The Chairman felt that we should make some representation to these organisations and aim to get a unified approach.

There is presently a two month period before Parliament decides what to do, such as produce draft legislation. Now is the time to try and educate MPs before the 635 of them vote on the matter.

The Chairman stated that "Section 1" control of airguns with the as yet unknown requirements that may be placed upon our clubs and shooting grounds could literally kill the sport overnight. If, for example, all BFTA club grounds had to meet rim-fire regulations with high banks all around, then most clubs would have to close. He said that we could support licensing, improved home security such as locking guns away so that youngsters could not get hold of them and controls on the buying of ammunition. He said the problem of gun crime will need to be solved by effective policing, not by the imposition of punitive restrictions on the law-abiding shooter. Adequate law presently exists to target the criminal and irresponsible, all that is required is for the police to be given the resources (if they do not already have them) and apply commitment toward solving the problem.

It was said that we need to look at the whole picture. BFTA has introduced BFTA Registration Cards, which give our members credence. The cards are linked to bona fide clubs which are properly insured. We support proper training and safety. At major BFTA competitions, chronographing of guns is now compulsory. BFTA can already be seen to be policing itself.

The cost of implementing and policing a licensing system is heavy and will create an extra burden on the system.

Members should read the Police evidence on the net and also that of Colin Greenwood who said that no difference was made to crime following the Dunblane aftermath and the banning of handguns. That exercise was simply a political expedient of looking for a scapegoat.

Tim Finlay pointed out that once we are licensed then we are on a register and the first to be targeted in a ban. That was how the handgun exercise worked.

The Chairman said that the British Shooting Sports Council may be co-ordinating the shooting world's response to the proposals.

The Competition Secretary said that we need to make MPs pause and wonder if they have all the facts. We need to say that what is proposed will not have the desired effect.

The Chairman said that in future, consideration should be given toward shooting clubs raising their profile in an attempt to become more evident as responsible, and accepted, organisations within the community. Keeping a low profile may not be in the shooters best interests for the sport's future.

A final point was made that we really must visit out MPs at their surgeries and make good points. BFTA may put a list of these points on its website so that members can make use of them.

Agreed action:

1) Letters fmm the BFTA to be sent by the Secretary to the NSRA and BASC expressing our concerns etc.

2) The more active route being proposed by the BASC to be progressed. BASC postcards to be given to as many shooters as possible together with the BASC leaflet "lt's Time to Fight". (These were handed to all shooters at the 21 May 00 GP together with the BASC leaflet).

3) Guidance regarding lobbying of MP's to be provided on the BFTA web-site. (To be actioned by Competition Secretary and Webmaster).

4) The petition already in hand to be continued. The meeting closed at 10.50 am.

Date of next meeting: 1st July 2000

Footnote: The report and its Appendices is on the internet at:

http://www.parliament.the-stationary-office.co.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmhaff/95/9508.htm#note219