TNAG-0194-FCO40-230-Emergency-legislation-and-Public-Order-ordinance-discussions-1969 — Page 101

Flag G

Flag H

Flag F

Flag I

Flag K

Mr. Moreton

You have seen Mr. Godden's minute of 9 May recording Lord Shepherd's views on the definition of "offensive weapon" in the Public Order Ordinance. The legal adviser concerned (Mr. Cruchley) has commented in his minute of 14 May; he observes that this is primarily an issue of policy.

2.

The history of this provision is that "Justice" commented adversely on this widening of the definition (paragraph 5 of their memorandum). On considering these views the Attorney-General indicated his readiness to accept the objections raised and to delete the words "suitable for". But in his report on the amending Bill hè indicated that it was proposed not to delete these words and stated the péasons for this. Sir Arthur Grattan-Bellew, who originally advised on the Bill, considered (paragraph 2(1) of his minute of 10 March) the reasons convincing and suggested we should agree to the definition standing as worded in the original Ordinance

/3.