Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many ex-internees and ex-detainees have (a) made aplication for a firearms certificate, and (b) been granted firearms certificates; for what types of firearms have certificates been granted; and in how many cases where such persons held firearms certificates have they been allowed to continue to hold them.
81W
§ Mr. MoyleUnder the Firearms Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 the issue of firearm certificates is a matter for the Chief Constable, subject to a right of appeal to the Secretary of State. I understand that in the case of any person already holding a firearm certificate who has been taken into detention, the Chief Constable's policy has been to withdraw the certificate. In no instance has the Secretary of State allowed an appeal against a decision of the Chief Constable not to grant to or renew a firearm certificate in the case of an ex-internee or ex-detainee.
I am advised that the collection of the other information requested would involve disproportionate time and effort.