Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fire-arms certificates for shotguns are at present on issue in RUC Divisions N, O and P; and what sums from public funds have been expended to improve stocks of game and wildfowl in these areas in 1975–76 and in 1976–77.
§ Mr. Dunn,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 23rd June 1977; Vol. 933, c. 572], gave the following information:
96WIt would not be possible without disproportionate cost to calculate how many firearms certificates have been issued for shotguns held in Police Divisions N, O and P.
In 1975–76 and 1976–77, £17,000 and £3,000 respectively were spent by the Department of Agriculture in the approximate areas of Police Divisions N, O and P on an urban and rural improvement campaign project to improve the habitat for grouse on the Department's lands. In 1976–77 there was also a game management project on the Department's lands costing £2,000 and involving the release and feeding of pheasants.