HC Deb 11 July 2000 vol 353 cc519-20W
Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the Association of Chief Police Officers' decision to make its guidance on the use of CS spray available to interested parties; and if he will make a statement. [129584]

Mr. Charles Clarke

I welcome it.

Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that the planned research into the interaction of CS spray and anti-psychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia will involve wide consultation with relevant service users, carers and voluntary organisations. [129586]

Mr. Charles Clarke

I am not aware of any research planned specifically on the interaction of CS spray and anti-psychotic medication, although the research we shall be carrying out at the recommendation of the Committee on Toxicity on the longer-term effects of CS spray may provide information on this subject.

Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the Association of Chief Police Officers' decision on local protocols with health and social services departments about the use of CS spray on people known to have a severe mental illness; and if he will make a statement. [129585]

Mr. Charles Clarke

I agree with the Association of Chief Police Officer's (ACPO) recommendation that chief officers should consider drawing up local protocols with health authorities and social services departments on this matter.