§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many firearms, listed by the category under which they are identified by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, are believed to have been stolen by terrorist organisations from(a) civilians, (b) Royal Ulster Constabulary, (c) Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve (d) the Ulster Defence Regiment, (e) the regular Army and (f) prison officers in each of the last five years for which figures are available;
Legally held firearms stolen in Northern Ireland Bullet firing Shotguns Air weapons/miscellaneous 1989 Civilians 15 41 4 Royal Ulster Constabulary 10 — — Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve Ulster Defence Regiment 6 — — Regular Army 3 — — 1988 Civilians 16 54 13 Royal Ulster Constabulary 9 — — Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve Ulster Defence Regiment 1 — — Regular Army 4 — — 1987 Civilians 34 91 13 Royal Ulster Constabulary 10 — — Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve Ulster Defence Regiment 179 — — Regular Army — — — 1986 Civilians 13 96 20 Royal Ulster Constabulary 11 — 1 Royal Ulster Constabluary Reserve Ulster Defence Regiment 1 — — Regular Army 2 — — 1985 Civilians 19 79 9 Royal Ulster Constabulary 6 — — Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve Ulster Defence Regiment 9 — — Regular Army — — Note:
Prison Officers are included in civilian category.
During 1989, a total of 246 firearms were found in Northern Ireland. Of these, 40 were recorded as having been stolen in Northern Ireland in previous years. Of these 40 stolen firearms, 25 were bullet firing and 15 were shotguns. Further information and details of weapons stolen by terrorist organisations are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.