§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has received regarding(a) the extent of injury sustained by a person wearing body armour to specification (i) HGIA and (ii) HGI when hit by standard ammunition fired by short-barrelled hand guns and (b) the likely period of disablement and inability to work consequent on such injury. [179781]
§ Caroline Flint[holding answer 21 June 2004]: Comparing two identical shots at the same position on the same person, the injury to the person wearing the HG1A armour is likely to show more severe bruising and trauma.
It is impossible to predict the exact nature and extent of an injury as this will depend on a number of factors such as the position of the shot and the build and physical condition of the person wearing this armour.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken with or on behalf of police forces to obtain compensation for forces provided with body armour to specification HGIA instead of HGI as ordered. [179782]
§ Caroline Flint[holding answer 21 June 2004]: This is a matter that the forces themselves have taken up with the manufacturer. I understand that the manufacturer has offered free upgrades to restore the armour to its original specification to all forces involved.