§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what information his Department records on the types of knives used in assaults and other criminal offences; and what assessment he has made of the trends; [141365]
(2) how many woundings involving knives were reported in which (a) the perpetrators and (b) the victims were aged (i) under 16, (ii) 16 to 18 and (iii) over 18 in the last five years for which figures are available. [141366]
§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions his Department has had with Chief Constables on the use of stop and search powers to tackle the carrying of knives. [141549]
§ Ms Blears [holding answer 3 December 2003]There have been no recent discussions between the Home Department and Chief Constables on the use of stop and search powers specifically to tackle the carrying of knives.
However, we have consulted the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on the revision of PACE Code A. It provides the guidance for police officers on the use of the powers of stop and search, including the powers to stop and search for offensive weapons and dangerous instruments. This guidance has recently been revised—a new version came into force on 1 April 2003. A further revision will come into force in April 2004. ACPO will be consulted on future revisions.
A stop and search sub group has been set up under the Lawrence Steering Group to look at issues around stop and search. ACPO are represented on that group. The sub group's work includes considering ACPO guidance to the police on their powers to stop and search for offensive weapons and dangerous instruments under section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.