HC Deb 14 July 1874 vol 220 c1623
MR. WELBY

asked the Secretary of State for the Homo Department, Whether his attention has been called to the death in Chelsea, through being cut away from a balloon, of one De Groof, known as the "Flying Man;" and, whether he will take steps effectually to prevent such dangerous exhibitions for the future?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

In answer, Sir, to the Question of my hon. Friend, I have to state that the Home Office has not been in the habit of interfering in matters of this kind, except in cases where persons have been engaged who are not able to protect themselves, as in the case of young children. I can mention one special case where the Home Office did interfere—the case of the child whom Blondin attempted to carry over the rope. But in this case, as my hon. Friend will see, the gentleman who was unfortunately killed was a person fully able to take care of himself. At the same time, I should like to have an opinion on that subject, in order to see whether something might not be done; but, at the present moment, the whole matter is under judicial investigation before the coroner, and before the inquest is finished, and a verdict given by the jury, I do not think it would be right in me to make any public statement.