§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many letters he has received concerning the proposed changes in gun laws; how many and what proportion(a) favoured and (b) did not favour the complete banning of handguns; and if he will make a statement about the time scale for his proposals as regards the law in Northern Ireland. [14837]
§ Sir John WheelerTo date a Total of 96 letters has been received about the possible implications for Northern Ireland of the Government's proposals for firearms reform in Great Britain following Lord Cullen's report. Of these, two-2.8 per cent.-were in favour of and 90–93.75 per cent.-were opposed to a Total ban on handguns. A further four letters were received which were of a simple inquiry nature. The Secretary of State has yet to decide what reforms he would like to see introduced but, on current plans, it remains his intention to have the amending legislation in place during the latter part of the 1997–98 parliamentary Session.