§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued under the offensive weapons legislation in respect of the322W right of those selling (a) fish, (b) meat and (c) other foodstuffs from vehicles to carry in the vehicle suitable knives; and if he will make a statement. [5856]
§ Mr. MacleanNone. Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 makes it an offence to carry a knife in public, but provides that it is a defence for a person to prove that he had good reason or lawful authority for having the knife with him, or that he had it with him for use at work, for religious reasons, or as part of any national costume.