§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the metropolitan police first acquired plastic baton rounds, in what quantities they hold them, and whether they also possess stocks of rubber baton rounds.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that plastic baton rounds were first acquired by his force in the autumn of 1981, following serious riots in the London area. The commissioner advises that to provide details of the numbers held would not be conducive to operational effectiveness. No rubber baton rounds are held.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many baton rounds were fired during training in 1984 by the Metropolitan police; and what was the estimated cost of the training.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that 1,597 rounds were fired. The rounds cost a total of £11,875.