§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many houses have been searched by the RUC for illegally held firearms in the Andersontown area of Belfast since the IRA cease-fire; and with what result;
(2) how many houses have been searched by the RUC for illegally held firearms in the Markets area of Belfast since the IRA cease-fire; and with what result;
(3) how many houses have been searched by the RUC for illegally held 276W firearms in the Short Strand area of Belfast since the IRA cease-fire; and with what result:
(4) how many houses have been searched by the RUC for illegally held firearms in the New Lodge Road area of Belfast since the IRA cease-fire; and with what result:
(5) how many houses have been searched by the RUC for illegally held firearms in the Falls Road area of Belfast since the IRA cease-fire; and with what result.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will give particulars of licences for firearms withdrawn since he began his recent policy of restriction.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the present policy on the holding of firearms in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe grant or renewal of a firearms certificate in Northern Ireland is a matter for decision by the Chief Constable, who must be satisfied that the applicant has good reason to acquire the particular weapon, and that he can be permitted to have it
without danger to the public safety or to the peace".There is a right of appeal to the Secretary of State.As of 31st January 1975 there were 101,839 legally held weapons in Northern Ireland, including those held by members of the reserve security forces. Between 1971 and 1974, 1,403 legally held weapons were stolen. These figures point to the need for careful control.
Some 50,000 firearm certificates are due for renewal in 1975. In general, people already holding certificates will be able to have them renewed. Special attention, however, is being paid to the granting of new certificates, especially in urban areas. For example, applications are closely scrutinised to ensure that a person who wants to acquire a sporting weapon has a valid reason for doing so. New authorisations in respect of.22 rifles are generally 277W confined to farmers who have problems such as sheep worrying. New applications in respect of weapons for personal protection will in general continue to be granted where it is shown that there is a definite threat to the life of the individual in question. Where a person has had his certificate revoked or varied since 1st January 1975 it is open to him to make a fresh application.
The fees payable on the issue or renewal of firearm certificates are intended to cover administrative costs. These have risen steeply since 1970 when the previous rates were introduced due both to inflation and to the greater commitment of police time to the investigation of applications which the security situation has made necessary.