§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what definition his Department uses of a replica firearm.
§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 23 January 1990]: Article 2 of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 defines imitation firearm as
anything which has the appearance of being a firearm whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile".Additionally, under the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 any imitation firearm which is readily convertible with a firearm is treated as if it were a firearm.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to investigate with the British Standards Institute the specifications for a standard for(a) firearms and (b) ammunition enclosure for use in domestic premises in Northern Ireland for sporting firearms and ammunition.
§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 23 January 1990]: None directly, but the Royal Ulster Constabulary has contributed to the Home Office study with the British Standards Institute on the subject.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Royal Ulster Constabulary issues a receipt for each firearm taken into the possession of the police when a firearm certificate is not renewed.
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§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 23 January 1990]: The Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has informed me that an official receipt is given in such circumstances.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Royal Ulster Constabulary issues reminders to the holders of firearms certificates before the expiry of the certificates(a) before the renewal of the certificate and (b) before the normal period taken to process such a renewal application.
§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 23 January 1990]: The Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has informed me that a reminder is sent to the firearm certificate holder one month prior to the month in which his certificate is due for renewal. A final reminder is sent one month after the end of the month in which the certificate was due for renewal. Local police may also contact the firearm certificate holder if they consider it justified.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, within the last three years, any firearm in Northern Ireland was taken into the possession of the police because the owner's firearm certificate had not been processed and returned before the expiry date, in cases where the certificate had been sent, or given to the police for renewal before the expiry date.
§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 23 January 1990]: The Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has informed me that the information is not available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific case in mind, I will make inquiries.