§ Lord Giffordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many plastic bullets have been fired by the security forces in Northern Ireland in 1981, and how many deaths and serious injuries have resulted from their firing.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Elton)During the period 1st January to 16th July 8,242 baton rounds were fired by the Army. During the period 1st January to 23rd July 1981 16,588 baton rounds were fired by the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Five people were believed to have died as a result of injuries caused by baton rounds. Since 5th May 1981, when arrangements were instituted to collect from hospitals details of injuries alleged to have been caused by baton rounds, 161 cases, including the five subsequent deaths, have been reported by the hospitals.
§ Lord Giffordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What instructions are given to the security forces in Northern Ireland as to (a) the circumstances in which plastic bullets may be fired (b) the range within which such bullets are dangerous to life; (c) the parts of the body at which those firing them should aim.
§ Lord EltonIt is not our practice to disclose detailed operational instructions given to policemen and soldiers. In general terms, the guidance given to them is that baton rounds may be used only when they constitute reasonable force having regard to all the circumstances. The baton rounds themselves, coupled with the detailed instructions and training given to soldiers and policemen, are designed to minimise as far as is possible the risk of serious injury to those at whom the rounds are aimed.