§ 15. Mr. Peter Archerasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will initiate an investigation into the effects of using CS gas for training purposes upon wild life, vegetation and water supplies.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourNo Sir. We already know that CS smoke, as used in training, has no harmful effects on the environment.
§ Mr. ArcherAs the Minister is convinced of the conclusion of an investigation if it were made, will he refer the House to the source of his information?
§ Mr. GilmourWe have made extensive studies of the chemical and biological effects of CS. We know that it has no effect on domestic animals and birds in the concentration that builds up in training. We have no reason to believe that it would affect wild life. The amount that might fall on vegetation would be very small, and would rapidly be dispersed by dew or rain, without harmful effects.