Licensed Firearms Dealers (Hansard, 29 June 1995)

§ Sir John Wheeler

The registration and control of firearms dealers is governed by articles 34 to 41 of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. There are presently 154 registered firearms dealers in Northern Ireland.

The 1981 order requires the Chief Constable to maintain a register of firearms dealers, and only those persons granted a certificate of registration by the Chief Constable are permitted to trade as firearms dealers. Before issuing such a certificate, the Chief Constable must be satisfied that the person is not already prohibited from trading by order of a court in Northern Ireland or Great Britain, following the person's conviction on firearms offences or for an offence relating to the import and export of firearms or ammunition; that the person can safely trade in firearms without endangering the public or the peace; that the proposed place of business is suitable; and that there is a need at that place for such a business. The order empowers the Chief Constable to impose conditions on the certificate of registration. Failure to comply with those conditions may lead to the certificate being revoked. The Secretary of State can give directions to the Chief Constable as to the conditions to be imposed. The Chief Constable may also revoke the certificate of registration if he is satisfied that the person has ceased to trade as a firearms dealer; or has ceased to have a place of business in Northern Ireland; or cannot be permitted to continue trading as a firearms dealer without danger to the public safety or to the peace. Any firearms dealer or prospective firearms dealer aggrieved by the Chief 781W Constable's decision in such matters, may appeal to the Secretary of State under article 55 of the order.

The Secretary of State is satisfied that the law governing the firearms trade is sufficient and is rigorously enforced by the Chief Constable in the interests of public safety.