HC Deb 12 February 1970 vol 795 c1441
15. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress chasing he has done in relation to reports submitted to him on the use of chemical weapons in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Callaghan

Sir Harold Himsworth's Committee hopes to present its further report this autumn.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Home Secretary aware that some of his hon. Friends are sad that the need to use chemical agents in Northern Ireland has been given as a reason why the British Government should refuse to adhere to the United Nations resolution on chemical and biological weapons? Anyhow, would not it be better in Northern Ireland, in an admittedly delicate situation, to use not tear gas and lachrymates but water cannon?

Mr. Callaghan

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not said that he would refuse to adhere to the United Nations resolution on chemical and biological warfare. The appropriate measures to be taken in Northern Ireland are a matter for the General Officer Commanding, but I am not at all sure that my hon. Friend's suggestion would be any improvement. It was tried earlier.

Miss Quennell

Will the Home Secretary tell the House, when he is progress chasing, what it is he is doing?

Mr. Callaghan

I was not quite sure, so I made an inquiry.