Should ALL medical conditions go on my shotgun certificate renewal?

By Shotgun certificate

Friday, 25 November 2011

Should all medical conditions be disclosed on one's shotgun certificate renewal form?

Do I have to divulge my hip replacement operation, and if so, what is the logic behind the disclosure of non-mental conditions?

SHOTGUN LICENCE
David Barrington Barnes
The disclosure of medical and mental conditions is obligatory for your shotgun certificate renewal.

Question 15a of the standard application form for the renewal of a shotgun certificate enquires whether the applicant suffers from any medical condition or disability, including alcohol or drug-related conditions.

If the answer is “yes”, then full details are required to be given by the applicant.

While you do not have to reveal that you have recently suffered from a cough or cold, you must disclose any permanent medical condition or disability.

This means that such complaints as a heart condition or hip replacement should be disclosed and full details given.

The reason for this information being required is that it assists the Police Licensing Authority in deciding whether the continued possession of firearms by the applicant might be a danger to the public (which includes the applicant) or the peace.

Renewal of a certificate is occasionally refused as a result of a medical condition.

Fear of the outcome should never deter the applicant on renewal from complete transparency in his or her replies to this and all other questions on the standard application form.