DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD SCHEME AND HANDGUNS;Amdt. line 1:

EDM number 402A1 in 1996-97, proposed by Nicholas Winterton on 17/01/1997.

leave out from `House' to end and add `notes that since 1956 some 2.5 million young people have taken part in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, involving 100,000 new entrants every year and the contribution of some 50,000 adult volunteers; congratulates all those involved in planning and running the award which provides opportunities for all young people between the ages of 14 and 25 years regardless of their background or ability; commends the award's remit to promote personnel achievement and fulfilment of potential through adventure, social involvement and other programmes; notes that a small percentage of the 200,000 people currently working through the programme will participate in the Marksmanship Option, which is one of 250 different options available; notes that this option is largely available through the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps; welcomes the concentration of this option on the promotion of safety and notes that it involves three target shooting disciplines, namely the air rifle or air pistol at 10 metres or 6 yards and the .22 rifle at 15, 20, or 25 yards; further notes that all other handguns are excluded from the programme; and profoundly regrets any attempt to besmirch the reputation of this most worthwhile award, the volunteers who run it, or the millions who have participated in it.'.

This is a ammendment to 402.

This motion has been signed by a total of 8 MPs.