HC Deb 04 July 1968 vol 767 cc1681-3
28. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has given to the Metropolitan Police about the use of C.S. gas; and if he will call for reports from all chief constables about the instructions in the use of C.S. gas that they have issued to forces under their control.

Mr. Callaghan

The instructions given to the Metropolitan Police about the use of C.S. gas have not been altered since the statement made to Parliament on 20th May, 1965. The basic requirement is that tear gas equipment shall be used only in circumstances similar to those in which the issue of conventional firearms to police is authorised—that is, to effect the arrest of armed besieged criminals or violently and dangerously insane persons. I am seeking the other information and will write to my hon. Friend when it is available.

Mr. Macdonald

Has my right hon. Friend seen reports which show that there is some evidence to suggest that scientific opinion considers that this substance can be lethal in confined quarters? At least until this question is determined, will he ensure that this substance is not used for purposes of restoring order in cases where other means—such as tear gas—may properly be used?

Mr. Callaghan

This is known to be a potent substance, and when the Home Office working party originally recommended its use it was with that in mind. But it was also considered to be less toxic and less likely to cause damage than other gases. I have made inquiries into the number of occasions on which this gas has been used and I can assure my hon. Friend and the House that they are very rare, because the consequences are known to be serious.

Mr. Goodhart

Do any of our police forces have plans for acquiring the chemical spray called Mace, which has been used with effect by some police forces in America for quieting dangerous criminals?

Mr. Callaghan

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question on that subject.

Mr. John Lee

If this gas is rarely used and if there are doubts about its effects, but there is some evidence to suggest that they can be very serious, why has my right hon. Friend authorised its use at all?

Mr. Callaghan

Because there may be occasions when it would be extremely dangerous for the police to operate without it.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Is it not misleading to suggest that this gas has been or might be used for maintaining public order? Is it not a fact that it is used, if ever, solely for the purpose of assisting the police in an emergency situation concerning dangerous people?

Mr. Callaghan

I have not heard that suggested this afternoon, and it would be misleading so to suggest. I repeat what I said in my original Answer, namely, that it is to effect the arrest of armed besieged criminals, or violently and dangerously insane persons. I repeat that the number of occasions on which it has been used are insignificant.