§ Mr. HillTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers to discuss the use of the American side-handled baton; and if he will evaluate the effectiveness of this baton.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. The procurement of equipment is the responsibility of chief officers. We have offered to arrange for a scientific evaluation of the side-handled baton if chief officers request it.