§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 4 March 1999,Official Report, column 825, on CS sprays, for what reasons the Royal Ulster Constabulary has not been issued with CS sprays. [80870]
§ Mr. IngramThe use of CS spray is relatively recent innovation in British policing. The Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary keeps under review the personal protective equipment available to and approved for use by police officers throughout the United Kingdom. The risks and threats to police officers in Northern Ireland have demanded protective measure different from their colleagues in the rest of the United Kingdom. All options are however kept under review.