The Justice Minister is sending a warning shot to young people carrying knives in public places.

The warning comes as Simon Power seeks feedback on recommendations about possible options available to curb knife crime.

Mr Power wants to make it crystal clear that the Government is not prepared to stand by and do nothing if knife-carrying amongst young people continues to grow. He says a scuffle without a knife present can end there, but if there is a knife, somebody's life can be taken.

Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft has welcomed the Justice Minister's stance, after raising concerns over the issue last year. Judge Becroft says what he sees in the Youth Court is an escalation of young people taking kitchen knives with them when they go out.

One idea in the Justice Ministry's report is to develop an accord limiting the sale of knives to young people. It is also suggested that schools educate youth in the dangers of using knives.