§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times water cannons have been used by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1967; for what reasons they were used; on what dates they were used; in what places they were used; and if the security forces are currently authorised to use water cannons. [17951]
§ Sir John WheelerIt is not possible to provide details of the use of water cannons in Northern Ireland as no separate statistical records of their use were kept at the time. It is believed they were last used around 1970.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary is authorised to use "reasonable force" in situations of public disorder, which could include the use of water cannons. The force does not, however, hold any water cannons and has not done so for some years.