Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 30 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 November 2003. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of a link between violent lyrics in rap music and gun crime.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of a link between violent lyrics in rap music and gun crime. [136248] Caroline Flint: Although there has been considerable discussion about the relationship between gun crime and rap music, the Government recognises that there are many factors that can influence the incidence of gun crime. The glamorisation of violence and gun culture in music or other media aimed at young people is unacceptable, but we recognise that music can play an important part in young people's lives and be used to promote and reinforce positive images.

Secondary information