HC Deb 27 June 1994 vol 245 c426W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were fully trained in the use of firearms in(a) 1983 and (b) 1993; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

There were 13,020 authorised firearms officers in England and Wales on 31 December 1983, and 6,769 on 31 December 1993. The drop in numbers reflects decisions by chief officers of police to concentrate their firearms capacity in a smaller number of highly trained officers.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers sustained firearm injuries in the course of their duty in(a)1983 and (b)1993; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

In 1985, the earliest year for which figures are readily available, 16 police officers were injured by firearms in the course of their duty in England and Wales, none fatally.

In 1992, 11 police officers were injured, one, a special constable, receiving fatal injuries.

Information for 1993 is not yet available.

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