Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will introduce age restrictions of 18 plus for the purchasing of catapults and slingshots.

The Government shares concerns over the misuse of catapults, whether against people, property or wildlife.

There is existing legislation relating to the carrying and use of offensive weapons, Anti-Social Behaviour and wildlife crime; however, the Government is aware of continuing concerns about the problems caused by catapults.

We have noted the proposals for new restrictions, including age restrictions, and we are actively considering all proposals as part of wider considerations of what more might be done around enforcement.