HC Deb 31 October 1983 vol 47 cc269-70W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to collate quarterly rather than annually the figures for the number of occasions in each police force when firearms are not used (a) in cases of crime and (b) in other cases; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will take steps to maintain a central record of the number of occasions in each police force when firearms are drawn (a) in cases of crime and (b) in other cases; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

The present arrangements for the central collation of statistics relating to the issue and use of firearms by the police provide sufficient information for most purposes. We are not persuaded that the additional information to be gained by extending these arrangements as suggested would justify the increased burden that would be placed on police resources.