§ 7. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to ease the ban on the holding of more than one shot-gun for sporting purposes in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Roland Moyle)There is no ban on holding more than one shotgun, but the policy of the chief constable in exercising his discretion to authorise extra guns is, in present circumstances, naturally restrictive; shot-guns are an attraction to the terrorist.
§ Mr. FarrI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. When he decides on future policy, will he bear in mind that few, if any, of the many horrible firearms offences which have occurred in Northern Ireland in recent years have been committed by lawful certificate holders?
§ Mr. MoyleThat is true. Sportsmen have been very responsible in the way in which they have looked after their guns. But, as I said, shot-guns are an attraction to the terrorist, and in the last 12-months' period for which we have figures—1972–73–281 shot-guns were stolen from private owners. I shall keep the situation under review, but I see no possibilities of relaxing matters in the near future.