Supplementary memorandum submitted by
The National Small-Bore Rifle Association
Turning specifically to the questions you raise
our answers are as follows:
1. A problem in practise, particularly in
the historic arms area where a shooter may compete in several
sections, such as veteran, vintage, historic, pre 1920, pre 1919,
pre 1900 etc and may require a number of rifles all of the same
calibre to qualify for each class. Firearms Enquiry Officers appear
reluctant to even consider that the applicant has "good reason"
for each firearm.
So far as primers are concerned, these are not
"ammunition". They are only one of the component parts
that make up a loaded round of ammunition. Primers are purchased
and sold in multiples of 100 and it is unreasonable and possibly
dangerous to expect a dealer to split the minimum packaging. That
a certificate holder is authorised to possess say 500 rounds of
ammunition should not preclude him from purchasing in excess of
500 primers.
2. Dealers in Northern Ireland are currently
not allowed to hold stocks of full bore fifles. A potential customer
can only purchase by a catalogue. Once a purchase has been authorised
a dealer may only keep a firearm in stock for 72 hours.
Provided under paragraph 24 of the draft order,
a Chief Constable is prepared to allow dealers to keep stocks
of all types of firearms, then the draft should represent an improvement
on the current situation.
3. We commend the New Zealand type of system
for consideration.
Provided that an applicant can show "good
reason" and is not a danger to the public safety and peace,
and authorised to hold, for example four firearms (two rifles,
one pistol and one shotgun) he should be at liberty to acquire
what he wants, when he wants and to exchange within the designated
categories provided he notifies the police of his current holdings
within a specific time of the transaction.
During the hearing we were questioned as to
whether we thought there should be a test of competence before
the issue of a certificate. We commented at the time we had not
had the opportunity of examining the proposals in detail prior
to the hearing.
Before being able to accept any proposals we
would wish to know if there is a problem and the statistical details
of any accidents that may have occurred due to the lack of any
such "test".
Until "competence" is defined we do
not feel we can comment. Is the test to define the skill with
a firearm, basic safety requirements or common courtesy and etiquette
with a firearm?
In the letter from the Northern Ireland Office
of 22 July 2002 there were a number of major errors, for example
air rifles and many cartridge rifles are not routinely cleaned
after each use.
We believe that a Firearms Enquiry Officer would
and should question an applicant in sufficient detail to ascertain
if that person can safely handle a firearm for the purpose it
is licensed. If there is any doubt whatsoever, the Chief Constable
always has the option to condition the certificate.
26 November 2002
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