§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals of what types have been used to test the effects of plastic bullet impacts; and what was the fate of these animals.
§ Mr. LeeI refer the hon. Member to my answer of 21 February 1984 at column501. Tests were carried out at the 492W Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, prior to the introduction into service of rubber and plastic baton rounds to ensure that the rules governing their use were such as to minimise the risk of injury. Since then further work has been undertaken to improve the medical knowledge and treatment of non-penetrating injuries, including those caused by plastic baton rounds and similar projectiles. In the five-year period from 1980 to 1984, 172 animals were used in this work, the species involved being mainly sheep and pigs. All animals used are deeply anaesthetised and most are painlessly killed while still under anaesthetic.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Defence from what suppliers his Department procures plastic bullets for the use of the Army and British police forces.
§ Mr. LeeThe Ministry of Defence procures plastic baton rounds from various commercial sources within the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many plastic bullets were fired by the Army in Northern Ireland in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.
§ Mr. StanleyNo separate statistics for the Army are available for the period before March 1981. Since March 1981 the numbers of plastic baton rounds fired by the Army were as follows:
Rounds 1981* 9,836 1982 154 1983 116 1984 265 1985 266 * March to December.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there has been any change in the kinetic energy figures for standard baton rounds since the answer of 21 January 1977, Official Report, columns 329–30; and if he will make a statement.