§ 18. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the death of a boy through the accidental firing of a toy pistol which had the barrel stopped up but the end filed off; that a grave view is taken by the police of the dangers of these so-called toy pistols; and whether he will consider the desirability of consulting the proof masters and 1488 gun manufacturers in this country with a view to the limitation of the sale of these pistols?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)I do not think this accident affords any sufficient ground for legislation in the sense suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HANNONHas not my right hon. Friend received reports from the police in various parts of the country that these so-called toy pistols can be converted into very dangerous lethal weapons, _and wilt he consult the Commissioner of Police in this city and consider what action he can take to prevent these weapons being broadcast all over the country?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWould it not be open to the hon. Member to introduce a Bill under the Ten Minutes' Rule to prohibit all toys
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is a o matter for Mr. Speaker's consideration rather than my own. Answering my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon), I have not received any reports from the police authorities in this connection, but if he can tell me of any police authority under whom this trouble with toy pistols has occurred, I will communicate with them.
§ Mr. HANNONIn view of the very unsatisfactory character of my right hon. Friend's reply, I propose to call attention to this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.