§ THE EARL OF MANSFIELD asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they are aware of the considerable and ever-increasing number of police officers who have been injured—some of them seriously—in the outbreaks of violence by hooligans, demonstrators and students in the past few months; and whether they will consider the advisability of providing police forces in areas where rioting has occurred, or is likely to occur, with protective shields similar to those used in various countries abroad, together with an adequate supply of water guns and tear gas bombs, so as to avoid further risk to those police who have to restore and maintain order.
§ LORD STONHAMThese matters are kept under review by chief officers of police, but the general opinion, which has the support of my right honourable friend the Home Secretary, is that the police should continue to use their traditional methods when dealing with crowds and demonstrations.