§ 32. Mr. Tinkerasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the use of barbed wire for fencing which is dangerous to children; and whether he will have inquiries made to see if some other form of fencing could be used that would be effective and yet not cause injury?
§ Sir S. HoareI have no power to prohibit or require the use of a particular type of fencing. There are already available to local authorities under the general law powers to deal with fences which are dangerous to persons using streets and public footpaths, and with the use of barbed wire in or on fences so as to cause risk of injury to persons or animals wring public highways.
§ Mr. TinkerWhile I realise the difficulties of the light hon. Gentleman, this reminds one rather of trench warfare and concentration camps, and I think the public ought to he protected.
§ Sir S. HoareThe hon. Member will see from my answer that the local authorities have power to deal with the matter.