HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1557-8
24. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he is making to issue to police forces fragmentation grenades, containing CS gas, designed to break into separate jet-propelled elements, which will slide along the ground at speed towards a crowd.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

None, Sir.

Mr. Dalyell

Good.

25. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study his forensic department are making of the effect of CS gas on the old, the weak, the young, and the pregnant; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

I would look to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence for scientific advice about the effect of CS smoke.

Mr. Dalyell

In fact, might not this be counter-productive if used?

Mr. Morgan

I am afraid that the subtlety of my hon. Friend's supplementary question escapes me. I should explain that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence arranged some time ago for further laboratory tests to be carried out. The results have not yet been fully analysed, but I understand that their trend so far has not disclosed any grounds for disquiet about the use of CS smoke in the strictly limited circumstances contemplated by the police, to deal with armed beseiged criminals and violently insane persons.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Rather than considering gas or grenades for the police, would the hon. Gentleman consider bringing in regulations to implement their pay settlement which was fixed on 12th September and for which they have been waiting for three months?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Supplementary questions must arise out of Questions.