HC Deb 14 January 1991 vol 183 cc404-5W
Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the Royal Ulster Constabulary require those engaged in the shooting of red foxes for control purposes to do so with .22 rimfire rifles.

Dr. Mawhinney

The chief constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has informed me that he does not require the use of .22 rimfire rifles for the shooting of red foxes.

Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he intends to offer financial compensation to sheep farmers and game preservers for depredations by red foxes.

Mr. Hanley

There are no grounds for claiming compensation for loses due to a natural predator such as a fox.

Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is responsible for firearms policy in Northern Ireland in relation to rimfire and centrefire rifles suitable for vermin destruction; and what is that policy in relation to requests for .22 centrefire rifles for fox control.

Dr. Mawhinney

Responsibility for firearms licensing policy rests with the chief constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary but, as appeals under the firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 are to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, the chief constable consults him from time to time on aspects of firearms policy.

As part of that policy, the chief constable would not normally authorise the use of .22 centrefire rifles for fox control.

Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland upon what expert evidence and research his policy in respect of the firearms to be used for controlling red foxes is based; and what representations he has had on this subject.

Dr. Mawhinney

The policy on firearms for controlling red foxes has developed over many years. From time to time expert advice has been sought from the Northern Ireland Departments of Agriculture and Environment as well as from the chief constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Most recently representations have been received from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the Joint Shooting Committee of Northern Ireland.