§ Mr. Topeasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he has authorised the investigation of allegations made by the Association for Legal Justice that rubber bullets are, contrary to regulations, being fired either at close range or directly at individuals instead of into the ground.
§ Mr. BlakerNo recent allegations by the Association for Legal Justice that rubber bullets are being used improperly have been brought to my attention. The regulations make it clear that rubber bullets are not generally to be fired at close range or directly at individuals, but that there may be exceptions, for example when the safety of soldiers or others is seriously threatened, in which case it might otherwise be necessary to resort to firearms. If the hon. Member has any particular allegation in mind and will provide me with the details, I shall look into it.