§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations cover(a) the training in the use of and (b) the firing of plastic bullets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThose chief officers of police who hold plastic baton round equipment are responsible for ensuring that officers are trained in its use. Only authorised firearms officers are usually so trained. The position on the operational use of plastic baton rounds was explained by my right hon. Friend in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Lancashire, West (Mr. Hind) on 19 May 1986 at columns15 and 16 This remains unchanged.
§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when plastic bullets were first approved for use in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggPlastic baton rounds for use in dealing with serious public disorder were first made available to forces in England and Wales following the riots in 1981.
§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times plastic bullets have been used in England and Wales; under what circumstances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggPlastic baton rounds have not been used operationally in England and Wales.