HC Deb 12 July 1956 vol 556 cc566-7
12. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a growing concern about the open sale in Leicester, London, and elsewhere, of spring-clip knives, many of which are imported from abroad; and whether he will now take steps to stop these imports.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

As I explained to the hon. Member on 28th July last, this problem cannot, in my judgment, be dealt with by a control on imports.

Mr. Janner

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, with his colleagues, doing something to prevent such articles coming into the country, particularly because, first, they are extremely dangerous and there has recently been a manslaughter verdict in respect of the use of one of them, and, secondly, it is a waste of our money to import dangerous weapons to be used for no other purpose than attack?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Questions about dangerous weapons and what should or should not be sold in this country are matters for the Home Secretary.