§ 22. Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for (i) the continued use or (ii) the replacement of plastic bullets.
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§ Dr. MawhinneyThe security situation in Northern Ireland continues to require the protection of life and property from organised and vicious attacks. No method for dealing with such attacks is entirely free from risk. The plastic baton round provides the security forces with an option in circumstances where the only realistic alternatives are the use of live rounds or withdrawal from the scene and consequent risk to life and property.
The existing baton round launchers are no longer in production and are therefore increasingly difficult to maintain. Careful consideration is being given to a replacement baton round system, although no final decision has yet been reached.