§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many gun clubs exist in Northern Ireland; what regulations govern their conduct; and if he will provide a breakdown of membership numbers. [1611]
§ Sir John WheelerAt present there are 42 firearms clubs in Northern Ireland authorised by the Secretary of State under article 54 of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. Clubs must meet a number of criteria in order to obtain and retain this approval, the main elements of which are:
- (i) a club may introduce a potential member to the sport at a club session. This "interim member" must be introduced and sponsored by at least one full club member or officials before his/her application to become a "probationary member" is accepted, the interim member must attend the club regularly on a number of occasions and become known to club officials.
- (ii) Before becoming a full member, the probationary member must have been a member of the club for at least 12 months during which time he/she must attend and shoot regularly. The probationary member must be given a course in the safe handling and use of firearms on a one-to-one basis by someone who is either a full member of the club or who is a qualified coach. Once a probationary member has satisfactorily completed a course in the safe handling and use of firearms, he/she must for the remainder of the probationary period be supervised at all times when in possession of firearms or ammunition by either the range officer, a full member of the club or someone who is a qualified coach;
- (iii) the security arrangements for the storage of club firearms and ammunition must meet the approval of the RUC.
There are approximately 3,500 members attending these clubs. Individual club membership totals are not readily available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.