§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consult the Association of Chief Police Officers about measures to prevent the use of crossbows by criminals. [HL3927]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThere are no plans to consult the Association of Chief Police Officers on this issue.
The police already have statutory powers to deal with the misuse of crossbows. The Crossbows Act 1987 imposes restrictions on the sale and hire of crossbows to, and their possession by, people under 17 years of age. In addition, if the police believe that somebody is carrying a crossbow with intent to cause injury they may prosecute him or her under Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, which makes it an offence to carry an offensive weapon in a public place, carrying a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.