asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in the light of the fact that sikhs were excused using crash helmets when driving motorcycles, due to their religious beliefs, whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to prevent them from being charged with offences when wearing Karaa, Kashara, Kangha, Kirban and Kheis, according to their religious beliefs.

No. It is no offence to wear or carry such articles, though it could be an offence under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 to use or intend to use as offensive weapons these or other articles which people commonly carry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has of the number of persons who have been charged with wearing a Karaa, which must be worn according to the Sikh religion; and with what results.

The information requested is not collected.