§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he has any plans to institute a campaign against the selling and carrying of knives for offensive purposes; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what legislative steps are being proposed regarding the sale of certain types of knives which can be used for offensive and criminal purposes; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what representations have been made to him by the police and other authorities regarding the sale of knives which can be used for offensive and criminal purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have received a number of representations from the police representative organisations, police consultative groups, local authorities, hon. Members and members of the public about the availability of offensive weapons, including knives, and their use in crime. We have also received reports of the local initiatives to increase awareness among the public about the dangers of these weapons, which we welcome and support.
As my right hon. Friend announced to hon. Members yesterday, we have already set in hand a study of how the law relating to the possession of knives and other sharp bladed instruments might be reinforced. He will be considering urgently how best to take matters forward in the light of that study.
§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the figures relating to the use of knives in criminal offences which have occurred in England and Wales in the past five years and the overall percentage increase in this period.
§ Mr. John PattenInformation on the use of weapons other than firearms in recorded notifiable offences is not collected centrally, except in respect of offences of homicide. Statistics of homicides are published each year in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales" (table 4.3 in the volume for 1985, Cm. 10)