§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many of the deaths from plastic bullets in Northern Ireland during 1981 occurred while rioting was in progress in the immediate vicinity;
(2) if the Royal Ulster Constabulary used rubber baton rounds during disturbances in Northern Ireland in 1981; and, if so, for what reason;
(3) how many of the people (a) killed and (b) injured by plastic bullets in Northern Ireland since their introduction were struck at ranges of (i) less than five metres, (ii) five to 20 metres and (iii) over 20 metres;
(4) if he will list the different versions of plastic bullet currently in service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland; and what are their weights and muzzle velocities.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many claims for damages have been made to date for alleged injury by (a) plastic bullets and (b) rubber bullets fired by (i) the Army and (ii) the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland; what have been the results so far; in how many cases liability has been admitted; and what have been the total damages paid.
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§ Mr. John PattenI shall reply to the right hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) which tests of plastic bullets have been carried out by his Department to determine the risk of fatality or serious injury;
(2) which riot control weapons have been evaluated by his Department during the last five years;
(3) whether any and, if so, which tests have been carried out by his Department to determine the risk of fatality or serious injury from the use of water cannons.