News International Plant, Wapping

Mr. Benn
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to what chemical substances were used by the police at the News International plant at Wapping on 24 January; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg
The Commissioner informs me that when demonstrators attempted to set fire to a lorry some police officers used halon fire extinguishers. No other chemical substances were carried or used by his officers.