Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 24th April 2001 at 367 c 415W, on chemical agent CR, what form the aerosol version of CR took; and what authorisation was given for aerosol CR weaponisation as (a) spray, (b) grenade, (c) cannister and (d) other. - Includes fact that disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 April 2001, Official Report, column 415W, on chemical agent CR, what form the aerosol version of CR took; and what authorisation was given for aerosol CR weaponisation as (a) spray, (b) grenade, (c) canister and (d) other. [160288] Mr. Spellar: In both 1968 and 1973, CR was authorised for use in aerosol form as a hand-held squirt device known as a self-protection aid device (SPAD). Information on authorisation for the development and subsequent production of differing types of CR weapon is not collated centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, authorisation for CR to be held in readiness for use has always been subject to ministerial approval.

Secondary information