§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of members of gun clubs are from each religious denomination. [14069]
§ Sir John WheelerReligion is not taken into account in the consideration of firearms certificate and firearms club applications. Such information is therefore unavailable.
§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many gun licences have been granted in Northern Ireland since 1966; and how many guns can be held on one licence. [14065]
§ Sir John WheelerThere are no records of the numbers of firearm certificates issued prior to 1975, but the table shows the number of certificates current at 31 December for each year since then:
- 1975: 78,216
- 1976; 79,718
- 1977: 81,402
- 1978: 82,248
- 1979: 83,549
- 1980: 85,379
- 1981: 83,342
- 1982: 84,250
- 1983: 85,170
- 1984: 86,039
- 1985: 88,340
- 1986: 89,169
- 1987: 88,358
- 1988: 88,130
- 1989: 88,410
- 1990: 87,422
- 1991: 86,907
- 1992: 87,456
- 1993: 87,383
- 1994: 87,949
- 1995: 88,170.
There is no specific limit to the number of firearms which can be held on one certificate. However, article 648W 28(ii) of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 states that a firearm certificate shall not be granted unless the Chief Constable is satisfied that the applicant has a good reason for purchasing, acquiring or having in his possession the firearm or ammunition in respect of which the application is made.
§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the current figures for ownership of gun licences among(a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics. [14066]
§ Sir John WheelerThere is no information held on the religious background of any firearm certificate holder or gun club member.
§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many gun licences are currently held in Northern Ireland by farmers. [14067]
§ Sir John WheelerThe information needed to answer this question is not available in the form requested and to obtain it would incur disproportionate cost.
§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the current memberships of gun clubs. [14068]
§ Sir John WheelerThe total membership of the 42 approved firearms clubs in Northern Ireland is approximately 3,350.
§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes have taken place in the criteria relating to gun licences since the ceasefire. [14070]
§ Sir John WheelerThe regulations governing the issue of firearms certificates are contained in the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and they have not changed since the order was made.