HC Deb 26 February 1953 vol 511 cc2291-2
37. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a 16-year-old Leicester boy confessed recently that he had bought a toy pistol and that he had made it fire.22 cartridges; and what steps he will take to ensure that toy guns are manufactured in such a way as to prevent them from being used as lethal weapons.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Yes, Sir. It would require legislation to bring within the scope of the Firearms Act toy pistols capable of being converted into lethal weapons. In this particular case, there was a very extensive substitution of parts; and although I will bear the general point in mind, I am not satisfied that the facts of this case afford adequate grounds for embarking on legislation which would present considerable difficulties.

Mr. Janner

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman take note of the fact that the opinion which he has expressed is not the same as that which was expressed in Leicester at the time this incident took place? Toy pistols bought in Leicester shops for a few shillings and sold in hundreds at Christmas can, by an easy operation, be converted into lethal weapons. Would he reconsider this position because, judging from the picture which I have here of this particular weapon, it looks as if it could have been very easily converted, and that is rather a serious matter? Further, as there is a Prevention of Crime Bill about to be brought before the House this afternoon, does he not think that it might be possible to do something in regard to this matter under the provisions of that Bill?

Mr. Speaker

That is another question, which can be dealt with when we come to the Bill.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I can only say to the hon. Gentleman that I had an elaborate report on the conversion that took place, and judging from that report there was very little of the original pistol left when the conversion was completed. I did go into the matter very carefully. I am always prepared to consider these points, but there are the difficulties which I have stated.