HC Deb 04 May 1951 vol 487 cc1546-7
Mr. Moyle

I beg to move, in page 1, line 8, to leave out "in the hands," and to insert "when in the possession."

During the Committee stage it was seen that the words …which in his opinion would be dangerous in the hands of the public… were open to an interpretation which was ridiculous. The words seemed to carry with them the implication that before fireworks could be considered dangerous they had to be in the hands of the individual, and that was not the intention of the Clause. After consideration and after consultation with the Home Office we have brought forward this Amendment and consequential Amendments throughout the Bill which make the position much clearer.

12.45 p.m.

Mr. Sutcliffe

I beg to second the Amendment.

The new words improve the Bill and make the position quite clear. I should like to put one point to the hon. Member. I suppose it is clear throughout the Bill that the fireworks mentioned are intended only for sale to the general public. It may be almost too late now, but it might have been as well to insert such words as, "intended for sale to the general public," because firework manufacturers make many things for the Admiralty and other Government Departments which are never handled by the public.

Amendment agreed to.

Consequential Amendments made.