HC Deb 15 December 1988 vol 143 cc704-5W
26. Mr. Andy Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken to prevent the manufacture and supply of offensive weapons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We have taken powers in the new Criminal Justice Act enabling the Secretary of State to specify, by affirmative order, weapons which it will be an offence to manufacture, sell, import, hire, give or lend. The purpose of this provision is to take out of circulation altogether weapons which have no legitimate use. An order specifying 14 martial arts and other weapons was recently debated and approved by Parliament. The order was made on 17 November and comes into force on 18 January 1989.

87. Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals his Department has to limit the manufacture and supply of offensive weapons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We have taken powers in the new Criminal Justice Act enabling the Secretary of State to specify, by affirmative order, weapons which it will be an offence to manufacture, sell, import, hire, give or lend. The purpose of this provision is to take out of circulation altogether weapons which have no legitimate use. An order specifying 14 martial arts and other weapons was recently debated and approved by Parliament. The order was made on 17 November and comes into force on 18 January 1989.

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