§ LORD MANCROFTasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have noted the observations of Judge Maude on 8th December, 1961, at the Old Bailey in the case of Regina v. Swinnerton about the weapon used therein, namely "an absolutely exact model in plastic of a German Luger pistol", and whether conditions concerning the manufacture and sale of such toys may now be considered.
EARL BATHURSTMy right honourable friend has taken note of824WA these observations, which will receive his careful consideration. On the information at present before him, however, he doubts whether the introduction of any close control in this field would be practicable. As regards the use of toys of this kind for criminal purposes, a person who uses an imitation firearm in connection with a robbery is liable to the same penalties as a person who uses a real firearm.