§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what characteristics of the plastic bullet led to the decision for the need to replace it with the rubber bullet in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe plastic (PVC) baton round replaced the rubber round because it is inherently more accurate, particularly at longer ranges.
§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions are placed on the exports of rubber and plastic bullets as to destination or intended use; and what quantities of these weapons have been exported to which countries.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownBaton rounds are military items, and licences are required for their export. All applications for export licences are considered individually and judged on their merits. As with all defence exports, we have to be satisfied as to the destination and end-use of the items concerned. It is not our policy to reveal details of defence sales to individual countries.