HC Deb 28 July 1896 vol 43 cc826-7
MR. DAVID THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)

I bog to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his attention has been drawn to the fatal accident that occurred to a girl described as a lady parachutist, who was hired to perform at Cardiff last week; whether he is aware that the lady parachutist was a child of 14 who had had no previous experience as a balloonist; and, whether he has any control over these exhibitions; and, if not, whether he will introduce legislation to prevent such reckless trading with the lives of children?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I have at present only seen the reports that have appeared in the newspapers, and am not sufficiently acquainted with the facts to be able to say whether the case is one to which the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Act applies. I have directed that inquiries shall be made at once with the view of seeing whether any action can be taken by me in the matter.