The concern of the Northern prime minister, Major James Chichester-Clark over the control of licensed firearms is confirmed by this year's Cabinet releases.
In a memorandum circulated to the Cabinet on February 11th, 1971, the prime minister expressed his grave concern about the control of firearms. In particular, he felt the conditions governing the control of licensed guns should be made more stringent. He called for a complete review of all firearms held on permits to ensure that the holders had continuing good reasons to possess them and that permits for the creation of further rifle clubs should be withheld.