Written question asked by Syd Rapson (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans his Department has to undertake a review of the offence of carrying a knife without due cause. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to undertake a review of the offence of carrying a knife without due cause. [197742] Caroline Flint: The Crime Reduction Delivery Board has been tasked with undertaking a speedy review of action needed to tackle crime committed with knives. Legislative restrictions on knives and other pointed instruments forms part of that work. This will include the effectiveness of Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 which creates an offence of possessing an article with blade or point in public without good reason or lawful authority, with the exception of a folding pocket-knife with a blade not exceeding three inches.

Secondary information