Mr. Wm Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many firearms certificates were (a) issued, and (b) renewed in each of the last five years in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. DunnThe information is as follows:
Certificates granted 1973 7,204 1974 8,167 1975 6,145 1976 5,116 1977 5,484
Certificates renewed 1973 13,234 1974 9,654 1975 32,000 1976 15,361 1977 13,065
Mr. Wm Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the income from the fees for firearms' certificates in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. DunnFees received from firearm certificates and permits in each of the last five financial years were as follows:
£ 1972–73 49,867 1973–74 27,488 1974–75 17,227 1975–76 260,449 1976–77 122,148
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Royal Ulster Constabulary officers, and of what ranks, are now engaged full-time on the applications for, issue of, and renewal of firearms' certificates; and what 394W were the ranks and numbers five years ago.
§ Mr. DunnI understand from the Chief Constable that, in addition to 30 civilian staff, one superintendent, one chief inspector, one inspector, one sergeant and one constable are engaged full-time on these duties at RUC Headquarters. At divisional level members of the force of all ranks are engaged on this work as the need arises. Comparable information for 1973 is not available because firearm certificate administration was then being reorganised.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions took place with shooting interests in Northern Ireland before Statutory Rule and Order (Northern Ireland) 1977, No. 360 was made.
§ Mr. DunnNone, since fees are levied solely to cover costs. The Department of Prices and Consumer Protection was consulted and accepted the need for the increase.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the increases in the cost of processing the applications for and the renewal of firearms' certificates in Northern Ireland over the last five years and in the period since the fees were last increased until 31st December 1977.
§ Mr. DunnI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17th January in respect of costings for the financial years 1974–75 and 1976–77.—[Vol. 942, c.174.] Information in respect of years prior to 1974 is not readily available.