HC Deb 02 February 1989 vol 146 cc374-5W
15. Mr. Wood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further action his Department is taking to combat violent crime.

19. Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department is taking to combat violent crime.

Mr. John Patten

The Government have already strengthened the police, increased maximum sentences and cracked down on the possession of knives and other offensive weapons. New measures this year will include a further addition to police manpower of 1,100 more officers. From yesterday, there exists a new right of appeal for the prosecution against an over-lenient sentence, in addition the private ownership of lethal firearms, like the Kalashnikov rifle, is banned. The Prevention of Terrorism Bill, now before Parliament, will give the police and the courts the special powers which they need to counter the violent terrorist threat.