§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many formal complaints have been made about incidents of police use of plastic baton rounds in 1987; in how many cases the complaint has been upheld; and in how many cases disciplinary action has been taken against the officers involved.
§ Mr. StanleyDuring 1987, seven formal complaints were made concerning the use of plastic baton rounds by the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Two were later withdrawn. Police reports on four others were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who directed no prosecution on each. The question of disciplinary action is now being considered by the deputy Chief Constable, and338W in due course the papers will be referred to the Independent Commission for Police Complaints. The remaining complaint is still under investigation.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic bullets were fired in Northern Ireland in 1987 and in what circumstances: in what location the bullets were fired; and how many persons were injured as a result of the use of plastic bullets.
§ Mr. StanleyDuring 1987, 2,575 plastic baton rounds were fired in Northern Ireland; 40 people were allegedly injured in the period. 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.