§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what trials he has authorised of new batons for use by the police; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles Wardle[holding answer 1 March 1993]: My right hon. and learned Friend has agreed to the Metropolitan police's conducting trials of an expandable baton, subject to the outcome of a full scientific evaluation of its wounding potential. He has also agreed to their conducting trials of variants of the straight baton which can be carried covertly.