§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the law to apply its 211W provisions with regard to the carrying of offensive weapons such as daggers to all categories of person, regardless of religious or racial difference.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Prevention of Crime Act does not exempt any category of person from its provisions on the grounds of race or religion, but it does allow for the carrying of items such as daggers, which could in other circumstances be regarded as offensive weapons, solely for religious observance or ceremonial purposes. We think that is right and have no plans for change.