HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 cc465-6W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many RUC officers arrived by helicopter in a field adjacent to Stonebridge roundabout, Rickhill on 9 July at approximately 1500 hours; how many of these officers had their services number openly displayed on their uniforms; how many plastic bullets were fired at the crowd at the roundabout; what warning was giving by the RUC offices that they intended to fire plastic bullets; what factors underlay the decision to use plastic bullets; if the principle of the use of minimum force was applied; and if he will make a statement. [373790]

Sir John Wheeler

Operational matters are issues for the Chief Constable of the RUC. However, plastic bullets are not in use in Northern Ireland.

In general terms, during the very grave incidents of the 10-day period between 7 and 16 July the RUC undertook many security duties which put them in danger. At different times it became necessary to use plastic baton rounds against identified targets actively involved in attacking police officers.