§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister for State for Defence what was the most recent date on which CS gas was used by Her Majesty's Forces in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithCS smoke was last used on 13th June, 1971.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he can give an assurance that the CS gas as used by Her Majesty's Forces in Northern Ireland has no adverse effect on children, bronchial persons and those suffering from heart diseases.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithA Committee chaired by Sir Harold Himsworth is examining the possible long-term medical effects of CS. His first report on the medical effects of CS was published as Cmnd. 4173 in October, 1969. Part II is expected shortly.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will instruct Her Majesty's Forces to refrain from use of CS gas until a public inquiry into its effects has been held.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Forces have recently been equipped with new devices designed to discharge CS gas in profusion; in what circumstances these launchers will be used; and whether it is envisaged that CS gas will be so discharged against the enemies of Her Majesty's Government in time of war.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the CS 359W bursting grenade with which our forces in Northern Ireland are now equipped. This grenade is designed to provide a rapid dispersion of CS over a small area when the smoke has to be used. As regards the use in war of CS I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the Adjournment debate on 21st May.—[Vol. 817, c. 1768.]