HC Deb 18 January 1983 vol 35 cc93-4W
Mr. William Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many shotguns, rifles, hand guns, air rifles and pistols, respectively, are at present held on firearms certificates in Northern Ireland; and what estimate he makes of the number of firearms certificates that are due for renewal in 1983.

Mr. John Patten

At 30 November 1982 the total number of weapons held on firearm certificates in Northern Ireland was 117,621, made up as follows:

Numbers
Shotguns 77,274
Handguns 10,258
Rifles 13,688
Air Weapons 15,605
Miscellaneous 796

It is estimated that approximately 18,500 firearm certificates are due for renewal in 1983.

Mr. William Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many police officers and of which ranks, and how many civilian staff and of which grades, are employed at the Royal Ulster Constabulary headquarters on the processing of applications for and renewal of firearms certificates as at 1 January 1983; what are the respective salaries for each grade and rank; what was the total expenditure on overtime and allowances in the last financial year for which figures are available; and what is the projected figure for the current year.

Mr. John Patten

The information is as follows:

Grade/Rank Numbers Average Pay (excluding overtime and allowances)
£
Superintendent 1 17,960
Chief Inspector 1 13,260
Inspector 1 11,910
Sergeant 1 10,440
Constable 1 8,170
Clerk 5 4,392
Clerical Assistant 21 3,617

Total expenditure on overtime and allowances amounted to £25,685 in 1981–82 and is estimated at £18,900 for 1982–83.