HC Deb 29 July 1914 vol 65 c1319
39. Sir WILLIAM BYLES

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the inquest held at Maidenhead on the body of William Walter England, a young man of twenty-two, who received his fatal injuries at a boxing match, advertised as a champion fight for £25 a side, and which took place at the Maidenhead Hippodrome last Wednesday night; whether the Home Office has power to prohibit these exhibitions; and what is the intention of the Home Office in the matter?

Mr McKENNA

I have made inquiries, and am informed that the facts are as stated. The jury found that the deceased was accidentally killed by a blow on the temple inflicted in a lawful boxing contest. The Home Office has no power to prohibit lawful boxing exhibitions.

Sir W. BYLES

Then, the sport of cock fighting is prohibited, and the sport of man fighting is encouraged?