§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to bring guidelines covering the use of plastic baton rounds in Northern Ireland into line with the regime governing use of these weapons by the police; what remedies are available for those who wish to complain about any aspect of army use of baton rounds; and if he will place the operational guidelines in the Library. [17752]
§ Mr. IngramDifferences between the guidelines for the police and the Army on the use of baton rounds stem entirely from the differences in their respective operational structures and practices. In the case of the Army the guidelines have worldwide applicability. There are therefore no plans to bring the guidelines exactly into line with the regime governing the use of those weapons by the police.
If a member of the public had cause to complain about the Army firing a baton round, for example if they were injured, it should be reported to the police so that they can conduct an investigation. They would receive the full co-operation of the Army and would be able to confiscate any items (ie a baton gun) that they deemed necessary for them to conduct their inquiries effectively. If a member of the public wishes to complain on other aspects of the use of baton rounds by the Army then they can write to headquarters Northern Ireland.
I am unable to place a copy of the guidelines in the Library of the House as it is a classified document.