§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the reports from chief constables stating whose authority is required for the use of C.S. gas in riot control or for other use by the police under their command.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganC.S. smoke may be used by the police only in 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 community or police officers.
In 54 forces in England and Wales the authority of an assistant chief constable or above is required for the use of C.S. smoke; in 11 forces, including the Metropolitan police, the authority may be given 367W by a chief superintendent or superintendent; and in one force an inspector may give the authority if time does not permit reference to the chief constable or assistant chief constable, provided that one or the other is informed as soon as possible afterwards.