HC Deb 14 July 1955 vol 543 cc2103-5
61. Mr. Danner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that dangerous spring clip knives are being sold openly in Leicester and elsewhere and that they have been carried by members of teen-age gangs; and whether he will take steps to prohibit the import, manufacture and sale of these weapons.

Major Lloyd-George

I understand that knives of this type are on sale in Leicester and elsewhere but I have no evidence that they are carried to any great extent by teen-age gangs. On the question of controlling the sale of such weapons, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 16th June last to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. Janner

Has the Minister examined any of these knives, of which I have one in my hand? Does he realise that a knife of this sort is a very dangerous weapon? Will he do something about stopping the manufacture and sale of such knives?

Mr. Speaker

If it is a dangerous weapon, the hon. Gentleman should not have brought it into the Chamber.

Mr. Janner

If it is such a dangerous weapon, Mr. Speaker, obviously the Government should do something to stop its manufacture and sale.

Mr. Speaker

That may be true, but the weapon could have been described in words without being brandished here.

Mr. Janner

I have not had an answer. May I put my supplementary question to the Minister again?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has already asked his supplementary question.

Mr. Janner

May I ask the Minister whether, as such weapons are so terribly dangerous, he will ensure that their manufacture is stopped, because, if not, serious consequences may ensue?

Major Lloyd-George

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the question of prohibiting the sale and manufacture of dangerous weapons has been very carefully considered for a long time. It has been found practically impossible to devise a proper definition because many highly lethal weapons are absolutely essential to trade and industry in this country. Under the Prevention of Crime Act, 1953, it is an offence to be in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.