§ Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to representations made to him by the community/police consultative group for Lambeth in relation to the law on offensive weapons and particularly knives and other sharp instruments.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggPossession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse is an offence under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. An offensive weapon is defined by the Act as any article made or adapted for causing injury, or intended for such use. It is difficult to see how this definition could be extended without making it illegal to carry innocently a whole range of items which have legitimate uses but which in the wrong hands may be dangerous. Nevertheless, we are continuing to keep the law on offensive weapons under68W close review and shall remain mindful of the representations which have been made on the subject by the community police consultation group for Lambeth.