§ Mr. SITCHasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to an inquest recently held at Corbett Hospital, Stourbridge, on a young local tradesman whose death resulted from injuries caused by the discharge of a trench-bomb firework called a signal, the force of which threw him a distance of nearly 12 ft. before he fell; whether he is aware that these powerful explosive playthings, which are 9 ins. in length and 3 ins. in diameter, are purchasable at a local shop by even children above the age of thirteen years; and whether he will consider the advisability of imposing more rigid restrictions on the sale of these dangerous articles, with a view to preventing further accidents or loss of life?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have received a report upon this case from the coroner, from which it appears that the deceased thought the firework had missed fire, and was stooping over it when it went off. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. Most fireworks are dangerous unless properly handled, and I am advised that no more danger attaches to this particular kind of firework than to an ordinary rocket. Unless fireworks are prohibited altogether, no possible restrictions could prevent occasional accidents from careless handling.