asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the minimum permitted range for an impact-based riot control weapon in terms of impact energy; and what is the maximum acceptable level of impact energy.

Soldiers in Northern Ireland issued with impact-based riot control weapons, such as the baton round, are provided with full guidance on the circumstances in which they can use these weapons. Their instructions take fully into account the requirement to use only such force as is reasonable in the circumstances. It would not be in the interests of the security forces in dealing with rioters to make public details relating to the rules of engagement applying to these weapons.