§ 42. Mr. K. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the increasing number of accidents following their use, he will introduce legislation limiting the supply and use of air-guns and air-pistols.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe existing law, which prohibits the purchase or hire of air weapons by persons under 17, but imposes no other restrictions on their possession or use, is based on the report submitted in 1934 by a Departmental Committee. The Committee concluded, after exhaustive inquiry, that no amendment of substance in the law relating to the purchase, possession and use of firearms by children and young persons was required. I have no evidence to suggest that there has since been an increase in accidents caused by air-guns and air-pistols, and on the information at present before me I see no reason to depart from the policy recommended by the Committee; but I am causing further inquiries to be made.