§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what steps the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the police authority in Northern Ireland is taking to procure from British manufacturers self-loading rifles with a capacity for firing automatically in short bursts of shots and using ammunition of 5.5nun. calibre and a muzzle velocity in excess of 3,000 feet per second;
(2) what steps the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the police authority in Northern Ireland is taking to procure from British manufacturers revolvers which are designed to fire the following types of ammunition:.38 Special,.38 S. & W. and .357 Magnum.
§ Mr. AlisonI refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies given to him on 23 March 1981 and to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Mr. Farr) on 11 March 1981.—[Vol. 1, c. 244 and Vol. 1000, c. 341]. The firearms needs of the Royal Ulster Constabulary are under constant review by the Chief Constable, who is satisfied that the force has sufficient arms to meet its current requirements.
Should further supplies of arms be needed, British equipment will be purchased where practicable.