§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evaluation the Chief Constable has made of the use of water cannon in Portadown. [130994]
§ Mr. IngramWater cannon were used on three occasions in Portadown and provided an effective resource in creating distance between police and military lines and those threatening and using violence. The ability to deliver water in differing modes and at a varying pressure enabled a flexible and graduated response to the violence. While it was considered to be effective, it was one of a range of tactics and equipment used to counter serious violence.