§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what stocks are held by the armed forces of the L9A1 gas spray gun and associated supplies; when these were first obtained; for what purposes; what tests have been carried out; in what circumstances they are intended to be used and with what safeguards; and who will have authority to authorise their use.
§ Mr. LeeThe L9A1 is a hand-held aerosol dispenser, which releases a small quantity of irritant solution designed to deter dogs from harassing military patrols. It was introduced in 1979. Only a limited number are held for use against dogs at close range in circumstances where no innocent bystander is likely to be affected. The irritation wears off after 10 minutes and tests have shown that there are no lasting ill-effects.