§ 18. Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to tackle increasing violence in non-metropolitan areas.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have strengthened the police; tightened the law on under-age drinking and increased the penalties available to the courts; reminded the police and courts of their powers to deal with outbreaks of disorder; encouraged the swift hearing of cases of this kind; and made it an offence to carry a knife in a public place without good reasons. My right hon. Friend has also approved pilot projects in seven areas to test the effectiveness of byelaws making it an offence to drink alcohol in designated public places. The ministerial group on alcohol misuse will take action to follow up certain recommendations contained in a recently published Home Office research study on drinking and disorder.
§ 38. Mr. DuffyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce drink-related violence in South Yorkshire.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have strengthened the law on sales of alcohol to under-age drinkers and increased the penalties available to the courts. We have reminded the police and courts of their powers for dealing with outbreaks of disorder and infringements of the licensing laws, and asked them to arrange for swift prosecutions and court hearings after outbreaks of hooliganism and violence. In February the Government issued a circular giving advice about local action to tackle all forms of alcohol misuse. Initiatives at national level are being taken forward by the ministerial group on alcohol misuse. Meetings with representatives of the drinks and fast food industries are planned to discuss recommendations contained in a newly published Home Office research study on drinking and disorder.