HC Deb 21 July 1955 vol 544 cc565-6
54. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of spring-clip knives has been imported into Great Britain during the last twelve months; from what countries they have been imported; and the quantity from each of such countries, respectively.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Spring-clip knives are not separately distinguished in the trade statistics.

Mr. Janner

In view of the fact that these spring-clip knives have no purpose other than that of being used for violence and for malicious damage, does not the President think that he might do something towards stopping their importation and ascertain how many of them are being brought into the country?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The hon. Member had down a number of Questions to the Home Secretary on dangerous and lethal implements which were answered the other day. I do not think that I could usefully add to those replies.

Mr. Janner

But the point is this. Does the President of the Board of Trade think it is a proper thing to allow something which cannot be used for any other purpose than for violence to be brought into this country?

Mr. Thorneycroft

This question of lethal weapons and violence is a ques- tion for the Home Secretary, and quite right too.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

In order to safeguard the Minister of Fuel and Power, will the right hon. Gentleman see that none of these weapons gets into the hands of hon. Gentlemen on the Government benches?