§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the results of research conducted at Porton Down research establishment into the medical effects of high-pressure water cannon jets. [14242]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThis is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mrs. Ann Clwyd, dated 5 February 1997:
I have been asked to reply to your question concerning research conducted by Porton Down into the medical effects of high pressure water cannon. The Chemical Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down is now part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) for which I am responsible as Chief Executive.
Porton Down carried out research involving the use of water projection devices during the 1970s. The work involved some animal studies to assess the effects of high pressure water on the eyes. Technical reports on the details of this work remain classified. I can, however, say that our scientists concluded that there appeared to be a low risk of damage to eyes from use of such equipment. In addition some field trials of devices were conducted involving human volunteers. Again this work did not indicate that any medical effects were experienced as a result of the use of the water delivery system.
I hope this information is helpful.