§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the manufacture and supply of(a) electro-shock weapons and (b) instruments of torture by Scottish-based companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 30 January 1995]: I have no such information.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the acquisition of electro-shock weapons by police forces in Scotland, the use for which they are acquired and the guidelines which govern such acquisitions.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 30 January 1995]: No police force in Scotland has acquired electro-shock weapons, nor has any force intimated an intention to acquire such weapons.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what financial assistance has been given by his Department to United Kingdom companies actively involved in the manufacture, marketing and supply of electro-shock weapons; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the policy of his Department in providing financial assistance to firms involved in the manufacture, marketing or supply of electro-shock weapons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 30 January 1995]: My right hon. Friend is not aware of any financial assistance having ever been provided to support the manufacture, marketing or supply of electro-shock weapons. Prior to 1989, regional development grants amounting to less than £5,000 were paid to ICL Plastics Ltd., but these grants did not relate to electro-shock weapons.