HC Deb 25 February 1977 vol 926 c716W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what factors other than impact energy are taken into account when assessing the safety of impact-based riot control weapons.

Mr. Duffy

All relevant factors are taken into account when assessing the safety of impact-based riot control weapons. Two important factors other than impact energy are accuracy and range.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware of the finding by the United States Law Enforcement Assistance Administration that for impact-based riot control weapons, including the rubber bullet, impact energies over 90 ft lbs are in the severe damage region; if so, when he received this information; and how he evaluates the injuries from plastic bullets being used in Northern Ireland with impact energies of from 110 to 210 ft lbs over their operational range.

Mr. Duffy

I am not. I am satisfied that the investigations carried out in the United Kingdom have been fully adequate. The risk of injury from plastic baton rounds is evaluated by carrying out comprehensive studies. The permitted range is then defined so as to reduce the risk of injury to a minimum.