in June 1988. In accordance with the policies of successive governments, members of the House of Commons were given a free vote and the Government collectively remained neutral. Reintroduction of capital punishment was defeated by 341 votes to 218. Life expectancy 63. Life expectancy for men and women continues to increase, while the rate for still births, neonatal and perinatal mortality in 1987 (the latest date for which figures are available) shows a slight though continuing improvement compared with 1985, as the attached tables show (see annex to this report). The Government is concerned to increase life expectancy and reduce infant mortality further. It supports campaigns against smoking and drug and alcohol misuse, and is promoting preventive measures against coronary heart disease and cancer. The Government has announced a major new initiative to find out why babies die, and local health authorities will be set targets for the reduction of infant mortality rates. Use of firearms bv the polirp iLed"™?. fjl"" j" generally unarmed. Firearm are only when oDeranTl T.T113 1 officers, and then under strict controls and guidelines to the nnll .h811^68 The °ffi« has issued Sincin£s eovernino i.c °° '5' 1SS"e "nd °f "«*«• These set out the L.ar£ o£ b*£°" the importance of sound hripfino n f s, the conditions of issue and use; principle of minimum force. A copy of these8 operation; and the to this report). these guidelines is attached (see annex CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 15 65. When police officers are required to carry firearms they are treated under the law in the same way as ordinary citizens. A decision to fire a gun rests with the individual officer concerned and he or she may be called upon to justify that decision before a court of law. This liability is emphasized 
**Analysis**
The text appears to discuss various health-related issues, such as infant mortality rates, life expectancy, and preventive measures against diseases. Additionally, it touches on the use of firearms by police officers, which seems unrelated to the main health focus. However, the emphasis on the police guidelines and the importance of justification in case of firing a gun suggests a connection to the broader theme of human rights and law enforcement.

**Category**
Health