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Mr. French
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the sentences for those convicted of carrying a knife in public without good reason; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Maclean
The maximum penalty for the offence of carrying a knife in public without good reason is a level 3 fine—currently £1,000. In appropriate circumstances, a person may be charged with carrying an offensive weapon in public without good reason. This offence carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
The penalties for these offences are kept under review, but we have no present plans to invite Parliament to increase them.