The following table indicates the number of appeals relating to PPWs that were allowed or refused in each month since January 2004. In March 2009 the decision was taken not to make any further decisions on appeals until the outcome of the PSNI’s internal review was known. I am now considering those appeals that were suspended during that period.
Appeal Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2004 Allowed — — — — — — — — — — — — Refused — — — — — 1 — — — — 1 2 2005 Allowed — — — — — — — — — — 1 — Refused 1 2 — — — — — — 2 1 3 1 2006 Allowed — — — — — — — — — 1 2 — Refused — 2 1 1 1 — — — — — 1 — 2007 Allowed — — — — — — 1 — — — — — Refused — — 2 1 2 1 7 — — — — — 2008 Allowed — 1 — — — — — — — — — 1 Refused — 1 — — 1 1 3 — — 1 1 — 2009 Allowed — — — — — — — — — — — — Refused 1 1 — — — — — — — — — —
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has informed me that there were 3,224 personal protection weapons held on firearm certificates in Northern Ireland at the end of June 2009.