The Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004

2.—(1) The Secretary of State may, on an application in writing made on behalf of a museum, grant a licence in respect of that museum.

(2) While a licence is in force in respect of a museum the persons responsible for its management and their employees—

(a) may, without holding a firearm certificate, have in their possession, and purchase or acquire, for the purposes of the museum firearms and ammunition which are or are to be normally exhibited or kept on its premises or on such of them as are specified in the licence; and

(b) if the licence so provides may, without the authority of the Secretary of State under Article 45, have in their possession, purchase or acquire for those purposes any prohibited weapons and ammunition which are or are to be normally exhibited or kept as described in head (a).

(3) The Secretary of State shall not grant a licence in respect of a museum unless he is satisfied that the arrangements for exhibiting and keeping the firearms and ammunition in question are or will be such as not to endanger public safety or the peace.

(4) A licence shall be subject to such conditions specified in it as the Secretary of State thinks necessary for securing the safe custody of the firearms and ammunition in question.

(5) A licence shall (unless revoked or cancelled) continue in force for five years from the date on which it is granted.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order substitute for the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (5) such longer or shorter period as is specified in the order.