§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the increase in charges for issues and variations for shotgun certificates; what percentage increase this represents; and what are the equivalent charges in the rate for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MoyleIn Northern Ireland shotguns are held under the authority of firearm certificates. In order to meet administrative costs the charge for the grant of a firearm certificate was raised to £10 and that for variation or renewal to £5 as from 1st January, 1975, an increase of 376 per cent. over the existing charges of £2.10 and £1.05, respectively. I understand that in Great Britain, where shotguns are held under shotgun certificates, the current fees are £1 for issue and renewal and 50p for replacement, but these are also under review.
§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is considering any compensation scheme for shotguns disallowed or plugged and drilled.