Flick Knives

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 December 1958.

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Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester North West 12:00, 11 December 1958

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the request for the prohibition by law of the import, manufacture or sale of flick knives, which was made to him by the Women's Group on Public Welfare and Standing Conference of Women's Organisations, which consists of representatives of 46 women's national organisations, and the resolution of the Association of Municipal Corporations passed on 4th December, copies of which have been sent to him, recommending that legislation should be introduced similar to that in force in New York prohibiting the sale or gift of such instruments; and what replies he has made.

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

My right hon. Friend has carefully considered the representations made by these organisations and has said in reply that, for reasons given in reply to Questions by the hon. Member and others, he is not satisfied, on the information he has, that further legislation would be justified.

Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester North West

Is not the Minister yet aware that there is tremendous agitation over this matter? When a women's organisation, representing a large section of British women, a municipal association, representing municipal authorities, and the Manchester Watch Committee all urge him to bring in legislation, is he still going to stand aside until these flick knives cause more trouble?

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

We have considered these representations very carefully. One asked us to amend the Prevention of Crime Act in a way which was unnecessary, because the Act already meets the requirement suggested by that women's organisation by placing the onus of proof of lawful purposes upon the accused, and another asked us to follow a precedent from the United States which our own Prevention of Crime Act already carries out, in effect.

Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester North West

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the judges, the magistrates, the municipal authorities and the women of the country do not think so? What will he do about it?

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

As I have so often explained to the hon. Member—and I hope the House will forgive me for repeating it—a complete ban on these knives would be impracticable because they are sometimes needed on lawful occasions, and a partial ban would be ineffective.