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Italian Tourist (Conviction)

Volume 974: debated on Wednesday 21 November 1979

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asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will recommend a pardon for the Italian tourist who was attacked by three hooligans and fined £25 for carrying a defensive gas canister which he had brought from Italy where it is legal to use such weapons for self-defence; and whether he will consider introducing a law to permit such a defence to be carried by peaceful citizens in the United Kingdom.

"No", to both parts of the question; such canisters can too easily be used for offensive purposes.