§ 1. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of State for Defence what authority he has given to bring into Great Britain water-cannon to quell civil commotion and disturbances; where such cannon are to be used; what regulatory instructions he has given for their use; and whether he will make a statement concerning water-cannon.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Ian Gilmour)I am not aware of any proposal to introduce water 388 cannon into Great Britain. The procurement of water cannon for use in Northern Ireland has been authorised in order to extend the range of riot-control devices available to the security forces in the Province.
§ Sir G. NabarroWhat is the constitutional difference between employing water cannon for the purpose of quelling civil disorder and disturbance in Northern Ireland and refusing to equip the Metropolitan Police in London with these admirable weapons, for quelling civil disturbance or disorderly persons in Grosvenor Square, for example?
§ Mr. GilmourI do not think there is any constitutional difference. Whether or not water cannon should be employed in Great Britain will be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIs not the answer to my hon. Friend's question that blood is thicker than water?