§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government.
What is the expected revenue from fees for firearm and shotgun certificates in the Devon and Cornwall area and the Kent area; how many people are employed in the firearms department of each of these areas; and what is their expected wage bill.
The Earl of CaithnessThe only information readily available is in respect of the financial year 1985–86. I understand from the chief constables concerned that during that year the revenue from firearm and shotgun certificates was £214,446 in Devon and Cornwall and £130,410 in Kent. It is not possible to give the number of police officers who undertook tasks related to the firearm and shotgun certificate system as part of their general duties, but in Devon and Cornwall the department responsible for the central administration of the system employed five staff who were paid £37,639. In Kent, four staff similarly employed were paid £24,578.