§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed his evaluation of the prototype water cannon; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe two prototypes have now been evaluated and account has been taken of the use of water cannon by the police services of some of our European partners. In consultation with chief officers of police, we have concluded that in policing rioting of the kind experienced in this country in 1981 and 1985, any benefits in the deployment of water cannon would be outweighed by their operational and tactical disadvantages, including lack of manoeuvrability, quick exhaustion of water supply, and vulnerability to attack. It is not therefore proposed to add water cannon to the range of equipment now available to the police to deal with serious disorder. Arrangements will be made to dispose of the two prototypes. The Department will, however, continue to monitor developments, including the use of water cannon overseas, so that the position can be reviewed if necessary.