Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new firearms licences were issued in each of the past five years; how many applications were refused in each of these years; and how many were issued on appeal to the Secretary of State in each of those years.
§ Mr. MatesFirearms licensing is the responsibility of the Chief Constable of the RUC. There is a statutory right of appeal from the Chief Constable's decision to the Secretary of State.
The table sets out the total numbers of firearm licences issued, refused and issued on appeal to the Secretary of State. These figures relate to all licences—new licences, variations of licence and renewal of licences—since it is not possible to provide figures on new licences only without incurring disproportionate cost.
Year Licences issued Licences refused Licences issued2 on appeal 1987 41,161 781 133 1988 33,815 821 122 1989 27,923 948 153 1990 39,810 773 112 1991 33,432 343 70 11992 19,630 412 43 1 up to 30 September 1992 2 includes those resolved by Chief Constable following submission of appeal
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for
Northern Ireland what was the date of the terrorist bomb at the forensic science laboratory at Newtownbreda; and 597W how many owner/occupiers of homes have now received an interim compensation payment of £2,000 or more as a result of damage caused to their homes by this explosion.
§ Mr. MatesThe date was 23 September 1992. By 25 October, the Compensation Agency had authorised interim payments in all cases where it was possible to do so. The total number authorised in the case of owner/occupiers was 45, of which five amounted to £2,000 or more.