§ 36. Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked the Home Secretary what howitzer batteries were under order to assist the civil power in Ireland; whether these weapons fire projectiles charged with lyddite, i.e.,, picric 1951 acid detonated with picric of lead, emitting yellow fumes which suffocate and paralyse where they explode; whether these projectiles have a back blast of 10 yards as well as a wide forward blast; and, if so, how would they be utilised in defending lives and property in case of civil disturbance?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the question is that no batteries were under orders to assist the civil power in Ireland, and the remaining parts of the question do not therefore arise.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWere any howitzer batteries ordered to be moved from one part of Ireland to another?
§ Mr. McKENNANot so far as I am aware, but if any such orders were given they would not have anything whatever to do with the subject-matter of this question.
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Member has confused packing with loading.