HC Deb 11 November 1977 vol 938 cc257-9W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what stocks of CR gas are held; for what purpose it is manufactured; and what uses are contemplated;

who were on an equivalent salary level three years ago.

Mr. Duffy:

The following are illustrative examples of changes in the real value of weekly basic pay for the Service ranks requested :

(2) whether there have been any exports of CR gas from the United Kingdom.

Dr. Gilbert:

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 25th March 1977—[Vol. 928, c. 693].

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there have been any discussions with the United States authorities on the development of CR gas as a riot control agent.

Dr. Gilbert:

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 25th March 1977—[Vol. 928, c. 694].

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether CR gas has been tested for possible carcinogenic effects; and with what result.

Dr. Gilbert:

Yes, with negative results. My hon. Friend may be interested in the article written by Dr. Ballantyne entitled "Riot Control Agents-Biomedical and Health Aspects of the use of Chemicals in Civil Disturbances "which was published recently in the Medical Annual 1977. Testing will continue and the results will continue to be published.