HC Deb 28 March 1957 vol 567 c1317
9. Captain Pilkington

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what trades it is necessary to import flick knives.

Sir D. Eccles

Fishermen, seamen, farmers, butchers and electricians.

Captain Pilkington

Does not the potential danger of these knives outweigh their convenience in these trades? Why cannot ordinary knives be used?

Sir D. Eccles

The answer is that workers in these industries need to open a knife when their hands are extremely cold or when they can use only one hand.

Mr. Hastings

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these flick knives are carried to some extent by delinquent children and are often found on them when they are admitted to remand homes and are taken from them by the police? Are they not a real danger?

Sir D. Eccles

We are aware of that, and the steps which we have taken in giving publicity to the danger have had some effect.