Soft-tipped Bullets

HC Deb 06 February 2001 vol 362 c502W

Mr. Cotter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police forces use soft-tipped bullets. [148858]

Mr. Charles Clarke

This information is not available centrally. All ammunition used by the police service is approved by the Police Scientific Development Branch at the Home Office, but it is an operational decision for chief officers of police to decide which ammunition is used by officers in their force.

Mr. Cotter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from hon. Members and others on the use of soft-tipped bullets by the police; and if he will make a statement. [148857]

Mr. Charles Clarke

In addition to the hon. Member himself, we have received representations recently from four other hon. Members and occasional letters from members of the public on the use of soft-point ammunition by the police.