HC Deb 29 June 1998 vol 315 cc19-20W
Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received that police officers in Cumbria used incapacitant spray in an inappropriate way; what assessment he has made of such reports; and if he will make a statement. [47213]

Mr. Michael

We have not received any reports or representations on this subject. I understand from inquiries made with Cumbria Constabulary following the tabling of this question that, since the force introduced CS sprays, no complaint about use of CS has been substantiated, and that the force has seen a drop of 14.4 per cent. in assaults on officers.