§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what rules govern the purchase and stocking of plastic bullets by provincial chief constables; and what requirement exists for them to consult their relevant police authority beforehand;
(2) if he will give guidance to chief constables on the purchase and stocking of plastic bullets.
§ Mr. MayhewIt is for a police authority to authorise expenditure on equipment. An authority may delegate spending decisions to its chief constable. Plastic baton round equipment may be purchased and stocked for use in the last resort. Information about these matters is already available to chief constables.