§ Mr. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what scientific advice is available to him about the effects of C.S. gas; and, in view of the serious effects of this gas, whether he will cause an inquiry to be carried out into these effects.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganMy right hon. Friend obtains scientific advice on this matter through my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. I do not consider an inquiry to be necessary, but my right hon. Friend has arranged for further laboratory tests to be carried out.
§ Mr. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what conditions the Metropolitan Police are authorised to use C.S. gas, and whose authority is required.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganThe instructions to the Metropolitan Police are that C.S. gas may be used only in the most exceptional circumstances to effect the arrest of an armed criminal or a violently and dangerously insane person who has taken refuge in a building and cannot be apprehended without seriously jeopardising the lives of innocent members of the public or police officers. Authority to use C.S. gas may be given by a police officer of the rank of superintendent or above.
§ Mr. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for reports from chief constables to say from what sources they 89W obtain supplies of C.S. gas or devices containing C.S. gas, and what authority is required to place an order;
(2) if he will call for reports from chief constables stating the conditions in which the forces under their command are authorised to use C.S. gas, and whose authority is required for its use.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganYes. I will write to my hon. Friend when the information is available.
§ Mr. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what other substances are available to the police and known to be non-toxic that can be used in circumstances where the use of C.S. gas might be considered.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganSo far as I am aware, none. A decision to hold small stocks of C.S. gas, in preference to any other suitable substance, was taken by chief constables some years ago.
§ Mr. MacDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department from what sources the Metropolitan Police obtain supplies of C.S. gas or devices containing C.S. gas; and what authority is required to place an order.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that supplies of devices containing C.S. gas are obtained from Civil Protection Ltd., 82 King William Street, London, E.C.4. As to the second part of the Question, I would refer to the reply by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to my hon. Friend's Question on 17th July. Expenditure for this purpose is subject to my right hon. Friend's approval.—[Vol. 768, c. 1419–1420.]