HC Deb 04 December 1958 vol 596 cc1353-4
31. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that judges and magistrates are strongly commenting against the lack of effective powers given at present against the use of knives for criminal purposes, and that such use is growing; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation.

Mr. Renton

I have seen reports of 'comments to this effect. There has this year been some increase in the use of knives for criminal purposes in the Metropolitan Police District. In my right hon. Friend's view, the powers given by the existing law are adequate. In particular, the Prevention of Crime Act, 1953, makes it an offence to be in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof of which lies upon the possessor of the weapon.

Mr. Janner

Does not the hon. and learned Member attach importance to the views expressed recently by one of Her Majesty's judges? As these crimes are increasing, is it not obvious that the Act is insufficient? Will he not do something which the judge said could be done very simply, namely, amend the Act and so provide against this shocking increase?

Mr. Renton

The learned judge has not so far communicated any ideas about amending the Act to my right hon. Friend. We should welcome any suggestions for its amendment. Meanwhile, I can assure the hon. Member that very good use is being made of the Act.

44. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of Slate for the Home Department whether he is aware that at Leicester and elsewhere there have been recurrences recently of the use of flick knives by young persons; and if he will now introduce legislation to deal with the position.

Mr. Renton

Early this year my right hon. Friend considered very carefully, in consultation with chief officers of police, the problem of the carrying of flick knives by young persons. As he informed the House in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 20th February, it was regarded as serious only in one or two areas, and the police generally considered that their existing powers, particularly under the Prevention of Crime Act, 1953, were adequate to deal with it. This still remains the position.

Mr. Janner

Is not the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a considerable amount of alarm among responsible people in my constituency and elsewhere about the use of these knives? Will he tell the House why he does not consider the various statements which have been made in the courts by responsible judges and magistrates without waiting to get them to ask him what he is going to do? Does he not agree that the responsibility on his shoulders in this matter is very great? If murders continue, will he himself not be faced with a very serious position?

Mr. Renton

No, Sir. I would invite the hon. Gentleman to remember that there is a real, practical difficulty. These knives are essential to certain trades, and therefore a complete ban on them would not be practicable, while a partial ban would not be effective.