§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is issued to soldiers carrying plastic baton round weapons concerning children's health and safety; how many PBRs have been fired in each of the last 10 years; and how many(a) deaths and (b) injuries have resulted. [152872]
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§ Mr. SpellarSoldiers are trained in the use of baton guns and when deployed are issued with guidelines about their use. Plastic baton rounds may be fired, if authorised by the commander at the scene, when absolutely necessary to protect against physical violence. In all circumstances, soldiers are trained to use no more force than is absolutely necessary.
The number of PBRs that have been fired over the last 10 years and the deaths and injuries that have resulted are set out in the table:
Year PBRs fired Deaths Injuries 1 1991 88 — 10 1992 49 — 8 1993 26 — 14 1994 36 — 13 1995 — — 7 1996 1,387 — 73 1997 440 — 25 1998 63 — 5 1999 1 — 1 2000 4 — 3 20012 2 — 0 1 Information on injuries has been provided by the RUC. 2 As at 28 February 2001.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many plastic baton rounds were discharged on the evening of 16 February 2001, in Lurgan, Co. Armagh; for what reason they were discharged and by members of which regiment; and what the age was of individuals targeted. [152871]
§ Mr. SpellarOn 16 February 2001 a group of around 30 stone-throwing youths attacked a patrol from the 3rd Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment as they passed the Kilwilkie Estate, Lurgan, Co. Armagh. Two plastic baton rounds were released in order that the patrol could defend themselves and effect a withdrawal from the area.
The patrol was at the request of the RUC, following a number of telephone warnings about a device on the adjacent railway line.