§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they believe that public safety in Northern Ireland is prejudiced by the holding of licensed handguns by members of the public. [HL2253]
§ Lord DubsAny firearm in the wrong hands can pose a risk to public safety. For this reason the law controls and regulates the legitimate possession and responsible use of firearms. Her Majesty's Government is committed to maintaining rigorous standards of firearms safety in Northern Ireland, as in the rest of the United Kingdom. But to be fully effective the law must be relevant and proportionate to the prevailing conditions. This was the aim of the wide-ranging legislative reform proposals published by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 2 April which we believe will further enhance Northern Ireland's strict regime of firearm controls.
§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether persons resident in Great Britain may own handguns which are kept in Northern Ireland. [HL2254]
§ Lord DubsIn order to acquire and possess a target handgun in Northern Ireland a person must be a member of an approved firearms club and obtain a firearm certificate. A resident of Great Britain may apply to join a firearms club in Northern Ireland. Membership is a matter for individual clubs to decide.
The Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 provides for residents of Great Britain to apply to the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary for a Northern Ireland firearm certificate. When considering such applications, the Chief Constable must satisfy himself that the normal legislative criteria of suitability, good reason and public safety have been met. In the latter context this would include the provision of adequate arrangements for secure storage of the firearms concerned.