Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many plastic baton rounds were discharged on the evening of 16th February, in Lurgan, Co. Armagh; for what reason they were discharged and by members of which regiment; and what the age was of individuals targeted. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To 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. Spellar: On 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.

Secondary information