§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the provisions of the recent Act of the Manitoba Legislature prohibiting the sale of offensive weapons except under certain strict conditions; and if he will consider the advisability of proposing a similar law for the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Act makes it an offence punishable by a fine of from twenty-five to two hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than six months:—(1) To expose for sale, offer for sale or sell any "bowie-knife, dirk, dagger, stiletto, metal knuckles, skull cracker, or slung shot." (2) To sell a revolver, pistol, or air gun, to any person "other than one holding a certificate issued under Section 2421W 118 of the Criminal Code (which exempts the holder from the restrictions of the law as to carrying pistols), or one, being over eighteen years of age, who produces to and leaves with the vendor a permit in writing, signed by the chief of provincial police, or a chief constable of a city or town, allowing him to purchase a revolver, pistol, or air gun."(3) To sell a revolver, pistol, or air gun under the above provisions, without keeping a record of the date of the sale, name of maker, serial number of such revolver, pistol, or air gun, and the name, address and occupation of the purchaser. (4) To sell or expose or offer for sale any revolver or pistol which does not bear a serial number and the maker's name. The Act also gives power to the Courts to confiscate weapons sold contrary to the Act, and to the police to search persons believed to be illegally carrying weapons. With regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I have already informed the House that the Government hope to be able to introduce a Bill dealing with this subject next Session.