§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic bullets have been fired in Northern Ireland in 1984 and since the beginning of the current year; in what circumstances; in what location the bullets were fired; how many bullets were fired; and if any persons were injured as a result of the use of plastic bullets.
Crown court Magistrates' court Year Pleas "Not Guilty" Entered Verdicts "Not Guilty" Returned Pleas "Not Guilty" Entered Verdicts "Not Guilty" Returned 1980 113 74 3,025 1,321 1981 141 96 5,214 2,249 1982 145 81 6,119 2,532 1983 176 92 6,154 2,774 1984 195 96 6,357 2,410 Notes:
1. The above figures refer only to the principal offence.
2. Figures for the magistrates' courts include motoring offences.
42W
§ Mr. Scott1,768 plastic baton rounds were fired in Northern Ireland during 1984, 4 rounds have been fired so far this year. Police records show that 42 people were allegedly injured by plastic baton rounds in 1984. There have been no reports of anyone having been injured this year. I am writing to the hon. Member with the information he has requested about the circumstances and places in which the baton rounds were fired. A copy of my letter will be placed in the Library.