§ MR. HELME (Lancashire, Lancaster)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the accidents frequently resulting from the use of so-called toy pistols, and to the recommendation of the jury at the inquest held on Norman S. Allen, of Lancaster, who was shot on the 19th instant by a playfellow, and died immediately after; and if the Government would be willing to adopt measures to restrict the sale of weapons capable of inflicting such injury. In putting the question, I should like further to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has seen a telegram announcing the death of a lady aged twenty-two, at Ashton-under-Lyne, in consequence of 48 being shot with a toy pistol; and has he received a memorial from the Mayor and Corporation of Lancaster urging that legislation should be initiated.
§ *MR. RITCHIEI have received several memorials of the nature referred to, but I have not heard of the death at Ashton-under-Lyne. I have this morning received the recommendation of the jury referred to. I am fully sensible that the question of pistol accidents is a serious one, but as I said two days ago, I cannot promise legislation on the matter this session.