HC Deb 18 July 1996 vol 281 cc661-2W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if razor wire is being used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Army at Drumcree, Portadown; and if he will make a statement. [37162]

Sir John Wheeler

The use of barbed wire in the Drumcree area was an operational decision taken by the Chief Constable and a direct result of the public order situation prevailing at that time. The security forces did not use razor wire.

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if armed forces are deployed on the line between Drumcree cemetery and the Derryonville road, Portadown. [37127]

Sir John Wheeler

The Army was deployed in support of the RUC operation in the Greater Portadown area.

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what requirements are placed on members of the RUC to display their service numbers when on duty; for what reasons RUC officers serving at Drumcree parish church since Sunday 6 July have not been displaying their service numbers; if he will make arrangements to ensure that all officers of the RUC display service numbers when on duty; and if he will make a statement. [37160]

Sir John Wheeler

The display of service numbers is a matter for the Chief Constable. RUC directions require constables and sergeants to wear their service number on the epaulettes of all outer garments when in uniform. Officers of inspector rank and above display rank only on their epaulettes when in uniform.

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic bullets have been fired in the vicinity of Drumcree, Portadown since Sunday 6 July; how many civilians have been injured by the use of these bullets at Drumcree; and how many of the bullets have been fired at close range. [37161]

Sir John Wheeler

Plastic bullets are not in use in Northern Ireland, but 90 plastic baton rounds were fired in the Portadown sub-divisional area between 6 am on Sunday 7 July and noon on Thursday 11 July. Four persons are alleged to have been injured as a result. The RUC has strict guidelines governing the use of plastic baton rounds, including the range of fire; their usage is carefully monitored as a matter of policy.