HC Deb 26 July 2000 vol 354 cc670-2W
Ms Kelly

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many proposals his Department received to undertake a study to examine an alternative to plastic baton rounds, in accordance with recommendation 71 in the Patten report; what institution has been commissioned to undertake this research; when a decision was made on who would conduct the research; when the research commenced; which individuals are undertaking the research; and what the expected completion date is. [132032]

Mr. Ingram

I have established a UK-wide Steering Group to lead the research project. The Group comprises representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Police Scientific Development Branch of the Home Office, the Police Authority for Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Northern Ireland Office. The Steering Group was formed in June of this year and held its first meeting on 8 July. The first phase of the project will be completed by the end of this year. One organisation has been suggested as a potential candidate to undertake the research.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to investigate which institutions, organisations and individuals have the necessary expertise to conduct an independent study to find an alternative to the plastic baton round. [131024]

Mr. Ingram

The first phase of the research project involves a literature review that will be undertaken by the Police Scientific Development Branch of the Home Office—an organisation with recognised and extensive expertise in this area. This work will involve investigating which institutions, organisations and individuals ought to have a role to play in contributing to the research programme to find an acceptable, effective and less potentially lethal alternative to the plastic baton round.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the terms of reference will be for the independent study to find an alternative to the plastic baton round. [131025]

Mr. Ingram

The Terms of Reference which have been set for the Steering Group leading the research project are as follows:

Objective To establish whether a less potentially lethal alternative to baton rounds is available; and to review the public order equipment which is presently available or could be developed in order to expand the range of tactical options available to operational commanders.

Task In the light of the recommendations in the Patten Report for a research programme to find an acceptable, effective and less potentially lethal alternative to the Plastic Baton Round, and for the RUC to be equipped with a broader range of public order equipment, to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in a report as follows:

Phase 1 (Defining operational objectives and literature review)

  • Define the operational objective against which less potentially lethal weapons must be tested;
  • Prepare a literature review of less potentially lethal weapons available or under research.
  • Examine the literature review against the operational objective.

Phase 2 (Evaluating the literature review, preparing business case and directing further research as necessary) Formulate proposals for further research on less potentially lethal weapons which would benefit from further research and which have the potential for successful transfer to the operational field, setting out the timings and the costs of that research; and Prepare business case.

Phase 3 (Research) As directed under Phase 2, conduct further research, evaluate performance and safety, and establish deployment costs.

Phase 4 (Operational objectives and Public Order Equipment) Define operational objectives for public order equipment; Prepare a report on the tactical deployment of a range of public order equipment in Northern Ireland, covering as wide a range of equipment as possible.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes have been made to police training programmes concerning use of plastic baton rounds since publication of the Patten report. [131026]

Mr. Ingram

Since the publication of the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, officers undergoing baton gun training have also been involved in a wider training programme including equal opportunities, community and race relations, the effects of Human Rights legislation and the use of force. Baton gun training specifically highlights the use of force, human rights matters, their issue, deployment and use together with command and control protocols, tactical deployment procedures and the criteria for their use. Officers in command positions undertake training in the issue, deployment and use of baton guns at both tactical and strategic levels and concentrate on accountability and human rights issues associated with the use of force.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) organisations and (b) individuals have been consulted in order to implement the Patten Commission proposal for a research programme to find an alternative to the plastic baton round. [131027]

Mr. Ingram

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has consulted with ministerial colleagues about the establishment of, and terms of reference for, a Steering Group to lead the research project. The first phase of the research project will involve consultation with other organisations and individuals.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the cost of a research programme to find an alternative to the plastic baton round; and if he will make a statement on how he will ensure best value is achieved and evaluated. [131028]

Mr. Ingram

The Government have made the necessary funding available for phase one of the research project which involves a literature review undertaken by the Police Scientific Development Branch of the Home Office. This research will help to determine the level of funding required for the remainder of the project. The principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness will guide the research project.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to invite tenders from those with the expertise to conduct a research programme to find an alternative to the plastic baton round. [131029]

Mr. Ingram

None at this stage.