HC Deb 17 January 1974 vol 867 cc141-2W
Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland hold valid firearms certificates although legally debarred from possessing firearms by reason of conviction for criminal offences.

Mr. Peter Mills

None. Firearms certificates may not be held by anyone convicted of a criminal offence, but Section 19(5) of the Firearms Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 gives the Secretary of State power to remove this prohibition and this power has been exercised in respect of four people who would otherwise have been debarred.