HC Deb 23 March 1983 vol 39 c420W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that the religious beliefs of the Hindus and Sikhs require that a dagger or dirk be worn, he will seek to amend the law to allow those persons whose religion necessitates wearing a dagger to be exempt from the law relating to the carrying of offensive weapons in this respect.

Mr. Mayhew

It is not an offence to wear an article solely for the purpose of religious observance. It would, however, be an offence for a person to carry an article if he is intending to use it to cause injury.