HC Deb 20 March 1978 vol 946 cc469-70W
Mr. Carson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many firearms certificates were refused in 1976 and 1977.

Mr. Dunn

Firearms certificate applications refused by the Chief Constable were as follows:

Initial grant Variation Renewal
1976 … 281 379 49
1977 … 293 504 58

These figures relate to initial refusals only and take no account of any subsequent appeals.

Mr. Carson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many firearms certificates were granted in 1976 and 1977 against the advice of the local police.

Mr. Dunn

Consideration of the advice tendered by local police officers to RUC headquarters is a matter for the Chief Constable.