§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police forces operate rapid response police cars; what is the normal size of such police crews; and what are their main functions and activities.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 30 November 1993]: One Scottish force currently operates armed response vehicles on a full-time basis. Two vehicles, each manned by two firearms officers, operate within the force area on a 24-hour basis. Their primary function is to provide a rapid response to any incident which involves the use, or alleged use, of firearms and to provide initial containment until any necessary additional resources can be mobilised with a view to bringing the situation to a satisfactory conclusion.