§ SIR F. BANBURY (City of London)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the verdict of the coroner's jury in the recent inquiry into the fatal explosion which occurred at St. George's Avenue, Aldermanbury, in the City of London, on 1st January last, with a rider attached, pointing to the urgent necessity for an amendment 205 of the law relating to the storage of explosives, whereby local authorities could become licensing authorities instead of being bound to register the application of anyone tendering the sum of 1s., quite irrespective of the suitability of the premises registered; and whether he proposes taking any action in the matter.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.My attention has been drawn to this verdict. I am awaiting a report from the Inspector of Explosives on this case which will deal with the question raised by the hon. Member, and the consideration of the point must be deferred until that report is ready. To prevent misunderstanding I may add that the registration in question applies only to the keeping of explosives for retail purposes in small quantities and under strict regulations.