To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many knife attacks were reported in (a) the UK and (b) Sefton in each of the past 10 years; and how many of these attacks were fatal. [124108]

Details of homicides held centrally relate to England and Wales only and are not collected by local authority area. The number of homicides committed using a sharp instrument, in each of the past 10 years, are given in the table.

Offences currently1 recorded as homicide involving a sharp instrument2, England and Wales
1992	218
1993	182
1994	231
1995	244
1996	197
1997	200
1997–98	202
1998–99	202

Offences currently1 recorded as homicide involving a sharp instrument2, England and Wales
1999–2000	213
2000–01	215
2001–02	265
1 As at 8 October 2002; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available.
2 Figures are on a calendar year basis from 1992 to 1997, and thereafter on a financial year basis (12 months to March).

Numbers of other knife attacks are not collected separately by the Home Office.Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.