Lewes MP Norman Baker is calling for a firearms amnesty in Sussex to help cut gun-related crime.
The number of firearms offences in Sussex has risen from 74 in 1979 to 218 in 1997 and stands at 377 in the year to March 2000 - although the way the figures are compiled changed in 1998, leading to an apparent slight increase.
Lib Dem MP Mr Baker said: "Although the number of offences is relatively small compared to some other crimes, it goes without saying that firearms can very easily kill and cripple.
"An amnesty for both knives and firearms would take a lot of weapons off our streets and help to reduce violent crime."
The MP has been told by Home Office minister Charles Clarke that the Government is in favour in principle of periodic firearm and knife amnesties.
He said: "We are aware of the existence of schemes which have been successful locally in reducing the incidence of knife crime".
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