§ 19. Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of imitation revolvers manufactured by the Kilgore Manufacturing Company, Ohio, and selling in this country for about 6s. each, for the import of which from the United States of America he has granted licences; whether, as these painted black can be used in hold-ups, he will prohibit their importation; and why dollars are being spent on such imports.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThese American water pistols are imported under the general heading of toys, dolls, etc., under the Token Import arrangements of which the House is aware. The annual quota for this class of goods is 2,450 dollars c.i.f., which represents 20 per cent. by value of the pre-war trade with the United States. Any risk of misuse by criminals of toy pistols clearly could not be dealt with by import restrictions alone.
§ Mr. NallyIs my right hon. Friend aware that one of the three most sensational hold-ups in past years, namely, the gaolbreak of John Dillinger from an American gaol was accomplished by the use of a pistol that was in fact carved out of wood and had been polished with boot polish? In view of these circumstances does it not show that there is no limit to the ingenuity of hold-up men in building up imitation revolvers?