HC Deb 28 October 1985 vol 84 cc337-8W
Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Metropolitan police first acquired stocks of CS gas and whether they have, or have ever had, stocks of CN or CR gas.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the force first acquired stocks of CS in the early 1960s for criminal siege purposes. The Metropolitan police have never held stocks of either CN or CR gas.

Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in each London police district, what is the number of (a) CS gas canisters held in armouries, (b) weapons that can discharge CS gas canisters and (c) officers trained in the use of CS gas;

(2) which of the following departments of the Metropolitan police have stocks of CS gas canisters, gas canister launchers and officers trained in their use; and in each case what are the numbers involved: Commissioner's Office, A1 to A10, B1 to B14, CI to C13, special branch, D1 to D15, area headquarters, training schools and holding centres.

Mr. Giles Shaw

For operational reasons, it would not be sensible to disclose the quantity of CS equipment held by the Metropolitan police, its location, or the number of officers who have been trained in its use.

Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many gas projectiles were fired during training in 1984 by the Metropolitan police; and what was the estimated cost of the training.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that no CS gas canisters were fired in public order training; 22 practice grenades were fired; these emit non-toxic smoke. Each practice grenade costs £36.