§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary for State of Northern Ireland what are the rules laid down for the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Ian StewartIt is not the Government's practice to disclose detailed operational instructions under which the security forces operate in Northern Ireland. However, the general rules governing the use of plastic baton rounds state that riot guns will be used only when judged to be the reasonable amount of force necessary in the protection of life and property, the preservation of the peace, and the prevention and detection of crime. The instructions are designed to minimise the possibility of injury to those at whom the baton rounds are aimed.