§ 1. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there is still anxiety about the sale of spring-clip knives to young persons; that they are being openly sold in various towns; and what further steps he is prepared to take in order to prevent such sales in the future.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. J. E. S. Simon)My right hon. Friend has made extensive inquiries, which have revealed little evidence of continuing public anxiety about the sale of spring-clip knives. There has been an encouraging response to the appeal to traders to confine the sale of these knives to customers known to have a legitimate use for them. My right hon. Friend does not consider that any further action on his part is called for at the present, but he will continue to watch the situation.
§ Mr. JannerTo assist the right hon. Gentleman to watch the situation, may I ask if the Under-Secretary of State is aware of the fact that only recently a lad at Tamworth, 18 years of age, opened one of these flick knives with a view to attacking a girl at a dance? Is he also aware that representations were made to the trade organisations? The retail 507 organisations themselves were very deeply concerned about this, and are still waiting to know what kind of statement is to be issued on the matter. The matter is one of grave concern, and will he reconsider it?
§ Mr. SimonMy right hon. Friend does realise that there have been serious accidents with these knives.
§ Mr. JannerAccidents?
§ Mr. SimonBut he has made extensive inquiries among chief constables and he is satisfied that no further action is desirable at the moment; but, as I have said, he will watch the situation very closely.
§ Mr. YoungerWhat are the legitimate purposes for which this knife only is required?