§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what(a) quantity, (b) strength and (c) type of CR gas was deployed on 16 October 1974 at HM Prison Maze; [131390]
(2) how many inmates of HM Prison Maze gave blood samples for analysis following the use of CR gas at HM Prison Maze in October 1974; what the results of blood analysis were; where the data are stored; and what follow-up studies have been made. [131388]
§ Mr. SpellarAs far as can be ascertained from surviving records, some 200 hand-held spray devices containing 0.05 per cent. CR were held at HM Prison Maze at that time, but were not used (although CS smoke was used). We have no record of blood samples being taken at the prison at that time.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evaluation he has made of(a) the effectiveness of CR gas in keeping public order and (b) the circumstances in which CR gas may be deployed. [131389]
§ Mr. SpellarThe term CR refers to the chemical agent Dibenzoxazepine. Dibenzoxazepine has severe short-term incapacitating effects which have been well documented in the medical literature (for example, in Medicine, Science and Law, October 1973). CR may be deployed and authorised for use by the Armed Forces in certain special circumstances, particularly where it might enable the use of firearms to be avoided.