§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has approved the purchase of water cannons; how many are in the hands of the police at the present time ; on what grounds these vehicles would be used; whether they will use dyed water; and what claims innocent persons will have for claims of damage to clothing.
§ Mr. MayhewNo water cannon have been purchased by police forces in England and Wales. Three water cannon, however, are on loan to the Metropolitan Police for evaluation. In addition, as a further aid to assessing the possible use of these machines, contracts have been awarded by the Department for the development of two prototype water cannon. As the use of water cannon is still being evaluated, no central guidance on this has been issued.
Any person claiming to have suffered loss or damage arising from an alleged act of a police officer in England and Wales may seek a remedy under section 48 of the Police Act 1964.