§ Miss Devlinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many CS cartridges have been issued to the police forces of England, Wales and Scotland during each month since January, 1968;
(2) how many CS gas grenades have been issued to the police forces of England, Wales and Scotland during each month since January, 1968.
§ Mr. SharplesThe police in Great Britain contemplate the use of CS weapons only for dealing with armed criminals or violently insane persons in 279W buildings from which they cannot be dislodged without danger of loss of life. Against that rare eventuality, and for purposes of training, police authorities purchase small stocks; but the information requested by the hon. Lady is not readily available.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what commercial companies are allowed to manufacture the CS gaseous agent under the provisions of the Firearms Act, 1968.
§ Mr. SharplesThe manufacture of CS is not controlled under the Firearms Act.