§ 25. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reconsider his decision not to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of bows and arrows in a public place, except under responsible supervision, in the light of the facts brought to his notice by the hon. Member for Eton and Slough and the evidence of accidents to the eyes of young children from their use.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI have considered with sympathy the further letters which the hon. Member has sent to me, but have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to him on 24th November.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I am not asking for the prohibition of the toys; indeed, I am all in favour of Robin Hood; but that this should be practised under some supervision? Has not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman received from me information about a case in my constituency where a child lost an eye, and is he also aware that I hold in my hand letters from other parts of the country from parents of children who have lost their eyes? Is he prepared to come to the head doorkeeper to see one of these weapons, which I have not been allowed to bring into the House?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe hon. Gentleman may be surprised to learn that I have seen a bow and arrow at some time or another, and indeed I have used one 547 too. I do not think we should legislate against every kind of boyish prank. Accidents will happen, and it is quite impossible to cover them all by legislation. I think we can leave this one alone.