§ Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals have been used in experiments testing CS gas for each year from 1974 to 1983 and 1984 to date; how many animals died as a result of the experiments or were killed at the conclusion of the experiments; what species were used; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe majority of research into the toxicology of CS was carried out prior to the publication in 1971 of the report of an enquiry chaired by Sir Harold Himsworth (Cmnd. 4775). Among its conclusions, the report found that "There are at present no experimental indications that long-term effect, like cancer, might develop after recovery from the early effects of inhaled CS smoke, but a more definite assessment of the risks, if any, of such occurring must await the completion of survival experiments on animals still in progress". This work continued until 1977, since when no further experiments have been undertaken. It remains the case that no long term effects have been identified which might result from realistic exposure to CS.
As the information requested follows from that already available as a result of the report referred to above I can, exceptionally, provide figures: