§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences were committed in the Greater London area in each of the last five years in which a knife has been used.
§ Mr. JackInformation on the use of knives is not collected centrally. However, information on the number of offences of violence against the person and robbery in which sharp instruments were involved is published annually in the report of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. The most recent information available is shown at table 13.3 of the Commissioner's 1990 report, a copy of which is in the Library.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the present law relating to the use of knives in criminal offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackThere are already strict controls on the possession of knives in public and the courts have and use stiff penalties to deal with offenders whose crimes have involved the use of a knife. The Criminal Justice Act 1991 will enhance the power of the courts to protect the public from serious harm from a violent offender, by allowing them to impose a longer custodial sentence than would otherwise by justified by the seriousness of the offence.