§ Mr. David Steelasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) what tests were carried out on rubber bullets prior to their introduction into use in order to ascertain the type of injuries they could cause;
(2) what alterations to the specification of rubber bullets have been made as a result of the injuries sustained by persons hit by them;
(3) what alterations to instructions to troops on the use of rubber bullets have been made as a result of injuries caused by their use.
§ Mr. KirkBefore the rubber bullet was introduced into service intensive tests were carried out under medical supervision. Subsequent experience has shown that the conclusions drawn from those tests were entirely valid.
Large numbers of rubber bullets have had to be used in Northern Ireland, but very few serious injuries have been caused by them. There have been no changes to the specification of rubber bullets or to the instructions regarding their use as as result of the injuries which have been caused.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Minister of State for Defence in what circumstances a youth was killed by a rubber bullet on 16th July, 1972; what the nature of his injuries was; and what tests were carried out on rubber bullets prior to their introduction into use to ascertain the danger of such injuries.
§ Mr. KirkI have no evidence that a youth was killed by a rubber bullet on 16th July. If the hon. Member will provide evidence I will see that the appropriate investigations are undertaken.
Details of the tests undertaken on rubber bullets are given in answer to an earlier Question.