§ 18. Dr. David Owenasked the Minister of State for Defence what discussions have taken place between his Department and Allen International on the "photic drive" equipment capable of inducing an epileptic fit and other side effects; whether any testing of such equipment has been undertaken for his Department; and whether any purchase or commitment to purchase such equipment has been made by his Department.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourStaff from the Ministry of Defence have had brief exploratory discussions with Allen International to ascertain the nature of the equipment and its mode of operation. No testing of the equipment has been undertaken by my Department, and no purchase or commitment to purchase has been made.
§ Dr. OwenIs the Minister aware that it is a serious matter to induce an epileptic fit and that such a method should certainly not be used for crowd control? Will he undertake to see that such equipment will not be further developed or used without the House first being informed?
§ Mr. GilmourIt is not for me to decide whether equipment is developed. It is a matter for the firm. We are concerned to have methods of crowd control other than the use of live bullets. We are nowhere near that yet. The safety aspects to which the hon. Gentleman refers would be taken into account before we considered such development. The hon. Gentleman is miles ahead of events.