THE Government has launched a crackdown on TV and video violence in the wake of growing concern about the breakdown in respect for law and order among young people.

In a series of moves:

Home Secretary Michael Howard has demanded a report from the British Board of Film Classification about its plans to cut video violence.

Home Office Minister and Bolton West MP, Tom Sackville, speaking to the British Video Association annual meeting, called for significant cuts in the level of TV and video violence.

And National Heritage Secretary Virginia Bottomley wants a meeting with BBC chairman Sir Christopher Bland and two TV watchdogs to discuss new proposals to protect children and vulnerable groups from TV violence.

The Home Secretary's decision is thought to have been prompted by the recent appeal by murder widow Frances Lawrence for national debate on violence and good citizenship.

Mrs Lawrence's husband Philip, a London headmaster, was stabbed to death outside the gates of his school by a teenager.

Channel 4 and ITV will also be discussed at the joint meeting with Mrs Bottomley but she is keen to talk with Sir Christopher because of the BBC's unique policy of self-regulation.

Mr Howard wants to know what changes the BBFC is undertaking in order to "discharge their duties properly under the Video Recordings Act 1984".

Mr Sackville said there were some films too violent to be allowed on video and into the home.

He said: "I think its common sense that there is a small number of individuals who would be affected by seeing violence on video.

"In an increasing violent society, we need to take action to try to prevent things getting worse. There is a growing feeling that some films should not be given viewing certificates."

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