Less Lethal Weapons (Triennial Review)

Tuesday 6th May 2014 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Anna Soubry)]

On 13 September 2013 I announced to Parliament through a written ministerial statement—Official Report, column 69WS—the commencement of the triennial review of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the medical implications of less lethal weapons (SACMILL). I am now pleased to announce the completion of the review.

SACMILL plays an important role providing independent, specialist advice across Government on the medical implications of the use of less lethal weapons; those whose design and intention is to control and then neutralise a threat without substantial risk of serious or permanent injury or death. Such devices include water cannon and the taser.

The review concludes that the functions performed by SACMILL are still required. The review also looked at the governance arrangements for the body in line with guidance on good corporate governance set out by the Cabinet Office. The report makes some recommendations in this respect, mainly around its own governance structure and its relationships with its customers. The Ministry of Defence will be looking at how best to take forward these recommendations.

The full report of the review of SACMILL can be found on the gov.uk website and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.