HC Deb 31 January 1986 vol 90 cc636-7W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show how many firearms, by type, namely, handguns, rifles, shotguns or fully automatic weapons, were seized by the security forces in Northern Ireland in the latest calendar year and to date; and, for each type, how many were legally held weapons stolen by terrorist organisations from (i) civilians, (ii) the Royal Ulster Constabulary, (iii) the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve, (iv) the Ulster Special Constabulary, (v) the Ulster Defence Regiment and (vi) the Regular Army.

Mr. Scott

[pursuant to his reply, 27 January 1986, c. 408–9]: Information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate

January 1985 to December 1985
Pistols/revolvers Rifles Machine guns/sub-machine guns Shotguns
Firearms recovered by the Security Forces in Northern Ireland 76 47 6 44
Legally held firearms stolen in Northern Ireland—stolen from:
Army 1
Ulster Defence Regiment 12 3
Royal Ulster Constabulary/Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve 6
Civilians 9 13 79

1 January to 19 January 1986
Pistols/revolvers Rifles Machine guns/ sup-machine guns Shotguns
Firearms recovered by the Security Forces in Northern Ireland 3 4 6
Legally held firearms stolen in Northern Ireland—stolen from:
Army
Ulster Defence Regiment
Royal Ulster Constabulary/Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve 1
Civilians 2