§ 52. Mr. COWANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to regulations recently enforced in France and Germany forbidding the use in public places of unprotected hat-pins; and whether, having regard to the number of serious accidents which have resulted in this country from the use of unprotected hat-pins, he will take such steps, by legislation or otherwise, as may be necessary to protect the public from a serious and growing danger?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have no power to make any regulations in the matter, and I am afraid that I cannot undertake to introduce legislation; but, if the practice can be shown to be a public; danger, the local authorities might deal with it under their power of making bylaws for good rule and government. In the case of tramcars, by-laws might be made under the Tramways Act, 1870.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman see that women do not get the vote until they have voluntarily adopted this protection?