§ 47. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, following President Nixon's decision not to use toxins in war even in retaliatory circumstances, the British Government has taken a similar decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisWe have no offensive or retaliatory capability in the field of toxins. The question of use does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsIs C.S. gas not toxic in its effect in some degree? Will 413 not my hon. Friend reconsider the Government policy in relation to C.S. and agree that it should be included within the Geneva Protocol as being excluded from international use?
§ Mr. MorrisI think my hon. Friend has misunderstood the difference between what is toxic and toxins. Toxins, I gather, fall between the concept of chemical and biological warfare. As to the toxicity of C.S., I have made that clear on this and other occasions, as has my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.