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Explosives: Licensing

Asked by Mr Peter BedfordConservativeDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 22 September 2025UIN 76946

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the time taken to (a) obtain and (b) renew black powder licenses.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

Under the Explosives Regulations 2014, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets the legal framework for the safe acquisition and possession of explosives, including black powder. However, the responsibility for issuing and renewing explosives certificates rests with individual police forces, who act as licensing authorities under those Regulations.

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