§ 1. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons now have permits to hold rifles and pistols of .22 calibre; and what is the number of such weapons officially held in Northern Ireland.
§ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. William Whitelaw)13,314 .22 rifles and 1,388 .22 pistols and revolvers are held on firearms certificates. At present, the records do not give the information in the precise form requested by the hon. Member, but I have given instructions that records should be reorganised to take account of the new controls which will be introduced.
§ Mr. HardyI am grateful for that reply. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that .22 calibre weapons can be dangerous and that therefore proper security should be maintained, particularly in view of the fact that ownership of weapons in Northern Ireland appears to be proportionately greater than on this island? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that licensing arrangements are carefully 570 scrutinised in regard to the small-bore shooting clubs, which should be as properly run in Northern Ireland as the best ones in Great Britain, including the one of which I happen to be president?
§ Mr. WhitelawI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. As the Prime Minister promised, I shall shortly be laying before the House an Order in Council on this whole subject, which will meet some of the points that the hon. Gentleman raises. As for rifle clubs, arrangements have been made for all their arms to be held centrally, and these arrangements are working satisfactorily for the clubs concerned.