When it anticipates that the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Bill will be enacted and when the provisions in respect of swords w…

The Custodial Sentences and Weapons(Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 3 October and is currently subjectto Stage 1 consideration by the Justice 2 Committee. Subject to Parliament’s approval,the Executive anticipates that it would receive Royal Assent in April 2007 and couldcome into force from June 2007. The provisions on swords will not all come intoforce immediately as it will be necessary to prepare regulations to implement therestrictions on the general sale of swords and introduce licensing for the saleof swords and non-domestic knives. These regulations will be the subject of consultationwith local authorities and others with an interest before a final decision is takenon the timing of their implementation. The regulations will also be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in the usual way.