§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Home Secretary about extending to Northern Ireland the new penalties proposed for illegal possession of firearms in England and Wales. [91304]
§ Jane KennedyI am aware of the Home Secretary's proposal for a mandatory 5-year sentence for the illegal possession or distribution of firearms. Northern Ireland's firearms legislation is undergoing a major review and a Proposal for a Draft Firearms Order is currently the subject of consultation. I will consider the question of mandatory minimum sentences as part of that review.