§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied with the operation of the guidelines issued by the Martial Arts Commission in conjunction with his Department governing the sale of potentially offensive martial arts weapons; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to ban the sale of the following items of martial arts weaponry (a) Ninja swords, (b) climbing hooks, (c) foot claws, (d) spears, (e) Ninja throwing darts and (f) Ninja throwing stars; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse is already a criminal offence under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. The definition of "offensive weapon" is sufficiently wide to cover all the items listed. The Act provides for a penalty of up to two years imprisonment or an unlimited fine, or both. We believe that the guidelines issued by the Martial Arts Commission in consultation with the Government have left traders in no doubt about their responsibilities concerning the sale of all types of martial arts equipment to the young and the impressionable. We do not have any current plans to bring forward further legislative controls, but we shall continue to keep a very close watch on the situation.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many convictions have been secured in each of the past five years for the carrying of martial arts weaponry contrary to the provision of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953; and what information he has as to the range of penalties imposed;
(2) what information he has as to the average age of those convicted for carrying martial arts weaponry under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe information collected centrally on offences under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 does not include the type of weapon involved.