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