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Offensive Weapons Bill: Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, corrosive substances are devolved and are the responsibility of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. Clauses 1 to 4 of the Offensive Weapons Bill which the hon Member has referred to, relate to proportionate restrictions on the sale and delivery of certain acids and other dangerous corrosive chemicals, and are part of a range of measures to provide better protection to people in local communities across the UK. I am continuing to work hard with the parties in Northern Ireland to restore devolved government so that the devolved administration can ensure the appropriate legislative consent is provided. and to enhance public safety. Consideration has been given by Northern Ireland departments and UK Government Ministers to extending these measures in the absence of an Assembly or a Legislative Consent Motion, which can only be granted during the passage of a Bill. The Bill contains separate commencement measures for provisions extending to Northern Ireland which relate to devolved matters. These are to be commenced by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland and associated regulations will not be commenced without Northern Ireland Assembly approval.