HC Deb 24 July 1958 vol 592 cc647-8
4. Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Coseley Urban District Council to approach the Urban District Councils Association requesting support for legislation to prevent the sale of air rifles to persons under the age of 18 years; what additional information he has received since 3rd April regarding injuries caused by air rifles; and whether he will now reconsider the possibility of introducing legislation to amend the present law in this respect.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir". In reply to the second and third parts of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (Mr. Skeffington) on 17th July.

Mr. Edwards

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that air guns manufactured today are infinitely more powerful and dangerous than those produced when we took great pleasure in possessing them? Will not he also agree that almost every day we read reports in the Press about great damage being done and injury caused to animals by children who possess these weapons? Is not the right hon. Gentleman further aware that in the Urban District of Coseley about £300 worth of damage was done to a new lighting system? Does not he think that some form of registration might be considered so as to limit the use of these dangerous weapons by young people?

Mr. Butler

The existing law prohibits the purchase or hire of air guns by persons under 17, and I gather that the main amendment proposed in the Question would be to make the age limit 18. At present I could not go further than I have done, but if the hon. Gentleman cares to send me the information to which he referred in the first part of his Question. I shall be glad to receive it.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that legislation on this subject is contrary to the law as laid down in the Firearms Act, and that it ought to be necessary for a person to obtain a licence before being able to purchase an air gun? Is he aware that at present a person can buy an air gun without a licence but cannot use it without a licence? Would not the right hon. Gentleman consider changing the legislation so that it conforms with the Firearms Act?

Mr. Butler

I notice that the hon. Lady asked a Question of my hon. and learned Friend the Under-Secretary of State on this matter and we are looking at this point. But I cannot hold out any hope for the time being of her suggestion being accepted.