§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what grounds a gun licence may be refused. [8689]
§ Sir John WheelerUnder the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, a firearm certificate shall not be granted unless the Chief Constable is satisfied that:
- the firearm could be held without danger to public safety or to the peace; or
- the applicant is fitted to hold a firearm; or
- the applicant has 'good reason' for the firearm; or
- the applicant is not prohibited from holding a firearm by virtue of article 22 of the order;
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for gun licences have been made in each of the last five years; and how many have been refused and for what reasons. [8644]
§ Sir John WheelerApplications for firearm certificates in the last five years are as follows:
Applications Refusals 1991 2,857 343 1992 2,975 561 1993 3,496 474 1994 3,799 615 1995 (to 30 November) 2,985 510 Firearm certificates are refused in accordance with the criteria specified in article 28 of the Firearms (NI) Order 1981. A breakdown to show the reason for each refusal would incur disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many gun licences are currently in existence; for how many guns; and what is the breakdown(a) of these weapons by (i) type and (ii) declared purpose 715W and (b) of the licence holders by (1) background and (2) location. [8643]
§ Sir John WheelerAt 30 November 1995 there were 88,092 firearm certificates in Northern Ireland on which 133,869 weapons were held.
Number Shotguns 85,204 Pistols and revolvers 13,044 Rifles 13,777 Air weapons 21,004 Miscellaneous1 840 1Includes humane killers, signal pistols, starting pistols, collectors items and spear guns. Information regarding the declared purposes for which the firearms were sought and the background and location of certificate holders, is not held separately and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.