§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Ian StewartPlastic baton rounds are used by the security forces in Northern Ireland only when their use is judged to be the minimum and reasonable amount of force necessary to protect life, property and to prevent serious crime. In certain circumstances, particularly during vicious and widespread rioting when lives are put seriously at risk, the use of plastic baton rounds is the most effective way of restoring order. This method of riot control is designed to ensure that the risk of injury or death is kept to a minimum.