To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent steps he has taken to tackle knife crime; and if he will make a statement. (283215)

In March my predecessor announced an extra £5 million to tackle knife crime and increase targeted police action to tackle a minority of young people who commit serious violence, regardless of the weapon involved. In June I committed more than £2 million to support over 150 organisations who work with young people to tackle knife crime and support victims.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department has spent on promoting anti-knife initiatives in the last 12 months. (284114)

The Home Office spent a total of £1,918,979 on promoting anti-knife initiatives in the last complete financial year 2008-09 (this figure is composed of advertising media, PR and print costs but excludes supplier fees, production and VAT).