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Written question asked by Clive Efford (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2015. It was answered by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 July 2015 on behalf of the Home Office.

Chlorine Dioxide

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2015 to Question 3371, whether the police have considered the threat of harm to children posed by those who promote chlorine dioxide as a medicine; what action was taken as a result of such investigations; and if she will make a statement.

Answer

The police do not routinely record cases of the administration of chlorine dioxide to children nor are records collected centrally. Chlorine dioxide is not an illegal substance but it can be harmful especially if consumed and particularly in the case of children.

This may lead to offences of child cruelty being considered, requiring a wider safeguarding response. If the police become aware of a threat to the safety and wellbeing of a child they would investigate in partnership with children’s services and relevant partners and consider the best course of action. Such a threat could include any harm caused by the administration of a potentially noxious substance. Each case would be judged on its merits.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
4976
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Children Police Chlorine dioxide
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk