HC Deb 22 January 1981 vol 997 cc238-9W
Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many legally held shotguns there are in Northern Ireland; and how many persons in Northern Ireland hold firearms certificates for shotguns.

Mr. Alison

On 31 December 1980, 74,836 shotguns were held on firearm certificates in Northern Ireland. Statistics are not available to show the number of firearms certificates issued to authorise possession of shotguns only, but at the same date there were 88,381 valid firearms certificates.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many firearms certificates renewal applications were refused in Northern Ireland during each of the last three years.

Mr. Alison

Information for 1980 is not yet available. Figures for the years 1977 to 1979 are 58, 48 and 92 respectively.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to increase the fees for firearms certificates in Northern Ireland in the current year.

Mr. Alison

A review of the level of firearms certificate fees is currently under way and will determine whether any increase in the present fees is necessary.

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