CS Sprays (Hansard, 19 November 1998)

§ Mr. Livingstone
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Police Scientific Development Branch started research into the possibility 729W of using alternative solvents in CS sprays; when this work is expected to be completed; and if the report of the results of this research will be made public. [60292]

§ Mr. Boateng
The Police Scientific Development Branch has been looking at potential solvents since the beginning of the programme to review the use of incapacitants for police use in 1994. A number of studies have been performed, including one by CBD Porton Down in July 1996, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. To date, no suitable alternative to Methyl Iso-butyl Ketone (MIBK) has been found, although work is still progressing.

§ Mr. Livingstone
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken by his Department since 1968 on the interaction between CS gas spray and psychotropic medication; what were the results of this research; and what research his Department intends to conduct on this topic in the future. [60291]

§ Mr. Boateng
There has been no research undertaken by this Department on this subject and there is none planned at present. I understand that CS is a peripheral sensory irritant and therefore unlikely to have any adverse effect on those using psychotropic drugs, as by the time CS reaches the bloodstream it will be rapidly hydrolysed (broken down by water).

§ Mr. Livingstone
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) members of the public have started legal proceedings because of injuries caused by CS sprays since January 1995; and if he will make a statement. [60332]

§ Mr. Boateng
This information is not kept centrally.

§ Mr. Livingstone
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's guidelines for the use of CS cartridges and grenades by police forces in dealing with serious disorder. [60290]

§ Mr. Boateng
The guidelines have in the past been classified. The Code of Practice on Access to Government Information exempts from disclosure information that would harm national security or defence but I do not believe the guidelines come within this category. The guidelines have therefore been declassified and I am placing a copy in the Library.