HC Deb 04 December 1952 vol 508 cc1753-4
47. Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the public sale of imitation weapons which are capable of being converted into lethal arms; and what action he is taking to prevent this stimulus to violence.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am aware there is some public anxiety about the sales of certain types of toy. As I said in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 11th November, any proposal to prohibit their sale raises considerable difficulties, but I am carefully examining the matter.

Mr. Edelman

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that these potential weapons are certainly not playthings, and would he not, meanwhile, give guidance to the public by declaring their sale as being contrary to public policy?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have had an admirable voluntary response from the trade on this matter, and I think that the sales of a great number of these things have been greatly reduced; but I am quite unrepentant in the view that to prevent a small boy from having a toy pistol is nonsense.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is the Home Secretary aware that my hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, West (Mr. Viant) is going to introduce a Private Bill to deal with this matter after Christmas? If the right hon. and learned Gentleman cannot find time to deal with it himself, will he give general blessing to the objects of the Bill?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am quite prepared to consider it.

Major Legge-Bourke

Does the term "imitation weapons" include the Motions of censure now standing on the Order Paper?

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