§ Mr. Sayeedasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes to issue guidance on the sale of potentially dangerous martial art weapons to young people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawPossession of an offensive weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse is an offence under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, and I have been particularly concerned at the indiscriminate sale of martial arts weapons to persons with no valid reason to possess them. In conjunction with the Martial Arts Commission I am therefore issuing 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 bona fide martial arts club. I look to traders to act responsibly and to pay close attention to the guidelines, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.