HC Deb 12 March 2003 vol 401 cc270-1W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she plans to bring in regulations to control the supply and use of fireworks in accordance with the powers laid down within the Fireworks Bill; and what plans she has to ensure that local environmental health officers have the necessary powers, funding and guidance to enforce regulations introduced in accordance with the Fireworks Bill. [101011]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Regulations to control the supply and use of fireworks depend upon the Fireworks, Bill passing into law. Also any such regulation would be subject to consultation. The needs of local authorities, including environmental health officers, in enforcing regulations would have to be taken into account.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and. Industry what guidance will be given to environmental health officers in order for them to assess whether distress, as set out in clause 2 of the Fireworks Bill, has occurred. [101012]

Miss Melanie Johnson

This matter will be considered in the drafting of regulations should the Fireworks Bill be passed into law.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what age limit she plans to set to prohibit the sale of fireworks to young persons, and what plans she has to limit the supply, purchase, possession and use of fireworks to certain(a) times of the year and (b) times of the day. [101013]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Any changes in age restriction and other limitations on fireworks would be subject to Regulation made under the Fireworks Bill should it pass into law. There would need to be consultation on any such proposals.