§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic bullets were fired in Northern Ireland in the second half of 1986; in what circumstances and in what location the bullets were fired; and how many persons were injured as a result.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 16 February 1987, c. 464]: During the last six months of 1986, 1,434 plastic baton rounds were fired in Northern Ireland. 37 people were allegedly injured as a result in the period.
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§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show how many firearms, by type, namely, handguns, rifles, shotguns or fully automatic weapons, were seized by the security forces in Northern Ireland in 1986; and, for each type, how many were legally held weapons stolen by terrorist organisations from (i) civilians, (ii) the Royal Ulster Constabulary, (iii) the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve, (iv) the Ulster Special Constabulary, (v) the Ulster Defence Regiment and (vi) the Regular Army.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 16 February 1987, c. 464]: Information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, information about weapons which have been recovered or stolen is given in the following table.
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.