§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the ACPO guidelines for the use of plastic bullets are a classified document; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [8277]
§ Mr. MichaelThe guidelines are Home Office guidelines which have in the past been classified. The Code of Practice on Access to Government Information exempts from disclosure information that would harm national security or defence but I do not believe the guidelines come within this category. I am therefore placing a copy of the relevant part in the Library.
§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 19 June,Official Report, columns 275–76, when he expects the review of guidelines on the use of plastic baton rounds to be completed. [8269]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Association of Chief Police Officers, together with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, are currently considering the guidelines. When this review is complete, we will consider any proposals that they wish to make. It will be for Ministers to decide whether any changes in the guidelines should he made. I understand that the review is likely to be completed towards the end of the year.