HC Deb 17 July 1973 vol 860 cc107-8W
Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has studied the report published by the Swedish Defence Department into the effects of the use of high-velocity bullets; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. Carr

So far as I am aware, no such report has yet been published.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what tests have been carried out into the effects of the use of the L39A1 rifle; and if he will publish the results of such tests.

Mr. R. Carr

The Home Office, in advising the adoption of this rifle, based its recommendation on existing experience of the extensive use of a very similar weapon by the British Army, but in response to recent statements my Department tested whether the bullet would penetrate a 4½ -inch brick wall and found that it would not.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if the British police forces have been equipped with the L39A1 high-velocity rifle;

(2) if he will confirm that the L39A1 high-velocity rifle will not be authorised for use by British police forces prior to the publication of the report of the International Committee of the Red Cross on high-velocity weapons;

(3) if he will consult the International Committee of the Red Cross about the use of high-velocity weapons before authorising their use.

Mr. R. Carr

The choice of firearms for emergency use by each police force is a matter for the chief officer and the police authority. However, the Home Office in consultation with chief officers of police does give guidance to police authorities. Last September, after a thorough review to determine the weapon most suitable for emergency use by the police in place of the obsolescent -303, we invited police authorities to consider re-equipping their forces with the L39A1 rifle. The majority decided to do so, and for convenience an order on their behalf has been placed by the Home Office. Delivery is expected in the course of this year.

The issue of firearms for possible use on a particular occasion is a matter for the chief officer and not for me, but the recommendation of a new rifle implies no change of policy and the rifle will be used only by specially trained police officers in circumstances where the target cannot be approached closely but where lives are threatened by armed and dangerous persons.

I shall take account of any views which may eventually be expressed by the Red Cross but I am satisfied on present information that the L39A1 rifle provides the degree of accuracy at long range that the police need and is no less humane than other weapons that fulfil this requirement.