§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the safety of(a) CS gas spray and (b) MIBK from the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire. [92318]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Chief Constable of Northamptonshire has decided not to issue CS spray to officers in his force. He has corresponded with my officials about this decision and submitted a report to the relevant sub-committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers in 1998 setting out his concerns.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the length of time for which research on CS gas spray and MIBK should have continued before they were judged safe; and what timescales were suggested. [92319]
§ Mr. BoatengA wide range of research has been conducted into the safety of CS which has not raised concerns in respect of its effects on human health. MIBK is an industrial solvent and has also been extensively researched for adverse health effects. I am not aware of any specific representations concerning the length of time for which particular research programmes should be conducted.