asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will publish the text of the instruction issued to the Chief Constable on 15th January 1975 regarding the exercise of his own discretion in the matter of firearms licences.

The instructions referred to were issued by the Chief Constable as Force Orders, and it would be inappropriate to publish them.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he intends to hold in connection with his proposed legislation on firearms.

Hon. Members and interested parties generally will have an opportunity to comment on a draft of the proposed order before it is formally laid before the House.