asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much the cost of administering the firearms section of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has increased in each of the last three years; what are the projections for the current and future years; and what are the reasons for these increases.

Administrative costs for the financial years ending 31st March 1977 and 31st March 1978 were £249,800 and £265,600 respectively. Information for the previous year could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.It is expected that costs during the current financial year will be in excess of £400,000. No projection has been made beyond 31st March 1979.The principal cause of increased costs are increases in rates of police pay. This year's figure will also be affected by the three-year cycle of renewals.