HL Deb 25 October 1973 vol 345 cc741-2

3.10 p.m.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what research they have conducted on riot-control devices using ultrasonic techniques; whether any devices using such techniques have been tested on military personnel; and what assessment will be made of possible long-term neurological effects of such weapons before they are operationally deployed or used.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have not sponsored any research into, nor do they possess, any anti-riot devices using ultrasonic techniques. Consequently, there has been no occasion to early out tests on military or other personnel. The noble Lord's Question about the assessment of possible neurological effects is therefore hypothetical, but I can assure him that all devices proposed for use in anti-riot operations are carefully considered from the point of view of the hazards they may present.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, would the noble Lord not agree that something might be said for the use of ultrasonic techniques as a method of riot control, provided one could be satisfied that long-term neurological effects were not present? Bearing in mind the serious casualties that have been caused by the use of rubber bullets in Northern Ireland, does the noble Lord not think it would be a good idea if the Government did sponsor such a programme?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, there is such a device being developed, I believe, called the Allen International "photic driver" equipment which my Department have looked at. But they have not yet tested it or been into it very carefully, although it may in the end turn out to be more promising than at first it appears.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, if the Department have looked at such a device, why did they try to pretend to the New Scientist that they had not?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, I am afraid I do not know the answer to that. All I can tell the noble Lard is that I know he follows these things with a great deal of care, and my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Defence announced in another place that we had looked at this.