HC Deb 15 July 1997 vol 298 cc145-6W
Mr. Sedgemore

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) pursuant to her answer of 19 June,Official Report, columns 275–76, what assessment she has made of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's opinion of the need to review RUC guidelines on the use of baton guns more accurately to reflect the Association of Chief Police Officers' manual of guidance; [8529]

(2) pursuant to her answer of 30 June, Official Report, column 63, what assessment she has made of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's opinion on the risks involved in the routine use of baton rounds; [8530]

(3) pursuant to her answer of 19 June, Official Report, columns 275–76, what assessment she has made of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's concern in respect of the application of the existing guidelines on baton rounds to the protection of property and detection of crime. [8528]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 14 July 1997]: HMIC's report contains eight main recommendations relating directly to the handling of public order situations and the use of PBRs. These recommendations have been accepted by the Chief Constable. They will be taken into consideration in the current review of baton gun guidelines, which ACPO is conducting and in which the RUC is participating.