To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to introduce legislation to ban the use of handguns in Northern Ireland. [12462]

The Northern Ireland Office has concluded a fundamental review of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, which included an assessment of the existing controls on handguns. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to publish her proposals for legislative reform as a consultation paper early in the new year and the Government's intentions with regard to handguns will be announced at the same time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the conclusions of the review of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981; and if she will make a statement. [13070]

[holding answer 6 November 1997]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has concluded her review of the Firearms (NI) Order 1981, and will publish her legislative proposals as a consultation early in the new year.