§ 13. Mr. LYONSasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent observations of the Recorder of London with reference to the dangerous use of a converted dummy revolver by a person convicted of a crime of violence; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the public in this respect?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second part, I am not in a position to add to the terms of the answer returned on 30th March last to a question by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on the subject of the new legislation now under my consideration.
§ Mr. LYONSIn view of the great public alarm in reference to so many acts of violence and offences in connection with the improper use of dummy firearms, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving facilities to introduce, as soon as possible, a general Measure of reform dealing with banditry and the use of firearms in general?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I said in reply to a question before, a Bill for this purpose is in draft, and I am not in a position to say, in the state of Parliamentary business, when there will be time to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. LYONSWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said, may I ask whether it is possible to let the House see a copy of the Bill before the Adjournment for Whitsun?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI will consider that matter.