Question to the Home Office:

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.

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.