HC Deb 05 March 1934 vol 286 cc1525-6
36. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the numerous cases of boys charged with using toy pistols which are dangerous to human life; and whether he proposes, in view of these cases, to expedite the passage through Parliament of the Bill controlling more drastically the sale of these weapons?

Mr. HACKING

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Elland (Mr. Levy), the Second Reading of which has been set down for the 9th instant. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Secretary of State has appointed a Committee to consider the definition and classification of firearms, and to inquire and report whether in the interests of public safety any amendment of the law is required. The Committee has begun its inquiries, and my right hon. Friend thinks it would be desirable to await their recommendations before any far-reaching changes in the law are effected. I have no information that the cases referred to by my hon. Friend are numerous, but I should be glad to consider any information in his possession.

Mr. LEVY

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Bill to which he refers is going to be sent to a Committee upstairs for their consideration?

Mr. HACKING

I was referring to another Committee—a committee of inquiry. I know nothing about the Committee to which my hon. Friend's Bill may be sent.