Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing the number of shotguns, rifles, and pistols held in Northern Ireland by (a) the general public, (b) the security forces, (c) firearms dealers, and (d) firearms collectors, or as much of such information as is available, on 31st December 1977, 31st December 1975 and 31st December 1972, respectively.
§ Mr. DunnInformation in the form requested is not readily available. Records were centralised in 1974, and the number of firearms held in Northern 393W Ireland under firearm certificate or permit on 31st December 1975 and 1977 was as follows:
31.12,75 Shotguns 65,640 Air Weapons 11,810 Rifles 22 Cal. 12,458 Rifles over 22 Cal. 1,461 Pistols/ Revolvers 9,789 Misc. 809 Total 101,964
31.12.77 Shotguns 69,525 Air Weapons 12,112 Rifles 22 Col 12,491 Rifles over 22 Cal. 1,423 Pistols/ Revolvers 10,332 Misc. 777 Total 106,660