§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information his Department has about dwarf throwing competitions; if his Department has sought legal advice from outside the Government regarding the extent to which injuries inflicted in the course of such competitions may amount to assault; what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards such competitions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorOur information is derived mainly from representations which the right hon. Member has himself conveyed to us. Our understanding of the legal position is set out in my right hon. Friend's letter of 22 October to the right hon. Member, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The Government have no power to ban such competitions. I do not consider any useful purpose would be served by our seeking legal advice outside the Government: it would be for the courts to decide whether or not, in the circumstances of any case which came before them, an offence had been committed.