To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in implementing his proposals to combat the increase of offences involving the use of knives.

We have added to the Criminal Justice Bill a new provision making it an offence to be in possession of a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place without good reason, with the onus on the carrier to show that he has such a reason. This represents a considerable strengthening of the law and will make it easier for the police to deal with people they find carrying knives. The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in the summer.