§ 16. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many accidents were caused by guns in 1962 and 1963; and how many of these accidents, in each year, involved children under the age of 16 years.
§ Mr. WoodhouseI regret that this information is not available. My right hon. Friend proposes, however, to review the working of the Air Guns and Shot Guns Act, 1962, at the end of July, after it has been in operation for two years and to ask then for a special return from chief officers of police.
§ Mr. JonesIs the Under-Secretary aware that I am rather surprised that this information is not available, because a constituent has written to me assuring me that the number of young people killed as a result of the unrestricted use of these air pellet guns is very high indeed? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not only a question involving young lives but that wild life in the 1504 country is also being menaced? Does he not agree that some form of restriction should be applied to children under 16 regarding the sale and use of these weapons?
§ Mr. WoodhouseAs I have said, this information will be obtained when the Act has been in operation for a reasonable period. Preliminary reports by chief constables already indicate that the new Act has had some effect in curbing the irresponsible use of these weapons. I am glad to say that in the Metropolitan Police District, the one area for which I already have figures, there has been a decrease from 1960 to 1963 in the number of accidents, including those involving children under 16.
§ Mr. JonesIf the Under-Secretary can say that there has been that decrease in that area, why can he not give me the total number of accidents? If he can supply one set of figures, why can he not supply another?
§ Mr. WoodhouseFor the reasons I have already given.