asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the guidelines he issues in connection with the use of firearms by police forces.

I have issued no guidance on this matter. The common policy adopted by chief officers of police in England and Wales has not changed in recent years. Firearms may be issued with the authority of a senior officer to suitably trained police officers in circumstances where they may have to face a person who is armed and dangerous. There is also a limited number of cases where the police provide armed protection. A police officer would use a firearm only when it appeared necessary to do so in order to protect his own life or that of some other person.