§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the safety of (i) pepper spray and (ii) CS incapacitant. [9668]
§ Mr. MacleanThe Home Office police scientific development branch has reviewed all the available information about the effects on human health of CS and of incapacitant products containing oleoresin capsicum. In addition, research commissioned by my right hon. and learned Friend has been undertaken into the possible carcinogenic effects of oleoresin capsicum's main incapacitating ingredient, capsaicin.
§ Dr. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the reason for the suspension of trials in the west midlands on CS incapacitant. [9669]
§ Mr. MacleanWest Midlands police is one of a number of forces due to participate in police trials of CS incapacitant for self-defence. The Association of Chief Police Officers announced last November that the trials would be delayed pending further work to ensure that the solvent used to disperse the CS irritant was the most appropriate, and to ensure that the advice to police officers and medical practitioners on the aftercare of people sprayed was the best available.