§ Mr. Favellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to introduce legislation to prevent the sale of offensive weapons such as knuckle dusters, flick knives or machetes to children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe importation, manufacture and sale of flick knives (and gravity knives) is already prohibited under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 and 1961. Under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 it is an offence to possess any offensive weapon (including knuckle dusters or a machete) in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. We are not persuaded that further legislation is necessary at present. But we do believe that retailers should act responsibly in regard to the sale of potentially offensive weapons of any kind particularly to the young and the impressionable. We have recently issued guidelines to that effect to traders in martial arts equipment. We shall continue to watch the position very closely.