§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to seek to curb the sale of (a) six-pointed metal stars and (b) other martial arts paraphernalia to those who are not bona-fide enthusiasts.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse is an offence under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. We have already taken steps to curb the sale of martial arts weapons to persons with no valid reason to possess them. Earlier this year, in conjunction with the Martial Arts Commission, we issued guidelines to traders urging that such items should not be sold to persons under 18 or to those who cannot produce evidence of membership of a 653W bona fide martial arts club. We look to traders to act responsibly and to pay close attention to the guidelines, copies of which are in the Library.